inquisitive
adjective
in·quis·i·tive
in-ˈkwi-zə-tiv 
1
: given to examination or investigation
2
: inclined to ask questions
especially
: inordinately or improperly curious about the affairs of others
inquisitively
adverb
inquisitiveness
noun
Examples of inquisitive in a Sentence
… but now, with the wanderings of the fleets and their inquisitive occupants producing words from all over, the English vocabulary was enhanced not merely by the usual suspects but by words from India and Turkey, Arabia and Malaya, Japan and the native peoples of North America …
—
Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.
—David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail.
—Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Simon Winchester, The Meaning of Everything, 2003
It's partly because humans are naturally inquisitive and exploratory but also, and more significant, because we need the unknown, what historians of religion call "otherness," to lend our lives significance.
—David Nicholson-Lord, Nation, 6 Oct. 1997
Inquisitive eyes reveal the dingo's true nature—it's a hunter, from its cocked ears and powerful jaws to the white tip of its tail.
—Mitch Reardon, Australian Geographic, July–September 1992
an inquisitive woman who tends to everybody's business but her own
Recent Examples on the Web
The names on the signs differ, and the buildings themselves vary, but just about everything of substance along the old main drag is eerily similar, forcing the inquisitive onlooker to wonder how market forces could allow for such a homogenous commercial landscape.
—Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Coffee as a Craft Today’s coffee lovers are more inquisitive than ever before.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
Because there are only 16 to 31 guests per ship, captains often invite inquisitive passengers to take the helm with their guidance or to help raise and lower sails, as crew members share their love of seafaring.
—Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
The world’s first inkjet printer Rune Elmqvist was an inquisitive person.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inquisitive
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Matthew Adams, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Sep. 2025
Coffee as a Craft Today’s coffee lovers are more inquisitive than ever before.
—Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 18 Sep. 2025
Because there are only 16 to 31 guests per ship, captains often invite inquisitive passengers to take the helm with their guidance or to help raise and lower sails, as crew members share their love of seafaring.
—Nicholas Derenzo, AFAR Media, 16 Sep. 2025
The world’s first inkjet printer Rune Elmqvist was an inquisitive person.
—IEEE Spectrum, 28 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for inquisitive
Cite this Entry
“Inquisitive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inquisitive. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
inquisitive
adjective
in·quis·i·tive
in-ˈkwiz-ət-iv
1
: tending to inquire or investigate
2
: asking many questions
especially
: too curious about other people's affairs
inquisitively
adverb
inquisitiveness
noun
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