inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
in-ˈkwī(-ə)r-ē 
ˈin-ˌkwī(-ə)r-ē;
ˈin-kwə-rē
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwir-ē
plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
2
: a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
3
: examination into facts or principles : research
Examples of inquiry in a Sentence
Discovered when Galileo Galilei turned the first astronomical telescope to the heavens in 1610, the Jovian system has been a focus of scientific inquiry ever since.
—
Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink.
—Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions …
—Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.
The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.
Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Chad Galts, Brown Alumni Monthly, November 1996
… his head was tilted at the precise angle of inquiry as to where he should put Muhlenberg's drink.
—Theodore Sturgeon, E Pluribus Unicorn, (1953) 1965
… distinguish between legitimate legislative inquiry into the acts of a man … and illegitimate inquiry into opinions …
—Norman Thomas, New Republic, 28 Feb. 1955
She refused to answer inquiries from the media about her marriage.
The board ordered an inquiry to determine whether the rules had been followed.
Further inquiry showed that he had visited the city twice before.
The police are pursuing a new line of inquiry.
Recent Examples on the Web
The finding opens a new route of inquiry that could lead to novel antidepressant treatments and help other ailments as well.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 13 June 2025
My firm offers a mobile legal helpline staffed by pro bono attorneys who can take client inquiries regardless of where they are physically located.
—Jeffrey D. Harvey, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
In the end, the committee will determine whether to initiate a cancer inquiry investigation.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
The inquiry, which began as an effort to dismantle the gang’s leadership, expanded to focus on whether the Bukele government cut a secret deal with MS-13 in the early years of his presidency.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
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Michael Franco, New Atlas, 13 June 2025
My firm offers a mobile legal helpline staffed by pro bono attorneys who can take client inquiries regardless of where they are physically located.
—Jeffrey D. Harvey, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 June 2025
In the end, the committee will determine whether to initiate a cancer inquiry investigation.
—Laura Bauer, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025
The inquiry, which began as an effort to dismantle the gang’s leadership, expanded to focus on whether the Bukele government cut a secret deal with MS-13 in the early years of his presidency.
—T. Christian Miller, ProPublica, 12 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for inquiry
Cite this Entry
“Inquiry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquiry. Accessed 20 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
in-ˈkwī(ə)r-ē
ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r-
ˈin-ˌkwī(ə)r-
ˈin-kwə-rē,
ˈiŋ-;
ˈin-ˌkwi(ə)r-ē
plural inquiries
1
a
: the act of inquiring
learn by inquiry
b
: a request for information
make inquiries at the station
2
: a search for truth or knowledge
3
: a careful examination : investigation
Legal Definition
inquiry
noun
in·qui·ry
ˈin-ˌkwīr-ē, in-ˈkwīr-ē; ˈin-kwə-rē, ˈiŋ-
plural inquiries
1
: a request for information
such doubt as would cause a reasonable person to make an inquiry
2
: a systematic official investigation often of a matter of public interest especially by a body (as a legislative committee) with power to compel testimony
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