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inquiry

noun
in·​qui·​ry | \ in-ˈkwÄ«(-É™)r-Ä“ How to pronounce inquiry (audio) , ˈin-ËŒ; ˈin-kwÉ™-rÄ“, ˈiÅ‹-; ˈin-ËŒkwir-Ä“ How to pronounce inquiry (audio) \
plural inquiries

Definition of inquiry

1 : a request for information
2 : a systematic investigation often of a matter of public interest
3 : examination into facts or principles : research
Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about inquiry

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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.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Since then, demonstrators’ demands have grown to include a call for universal suffrage and an inquiry into accusations of police brutality. — Austin Ramzy, BostonGlobe.com, "Hong Kong protesters squeeze access to the airport," 1 Sep. 2019 Since then, demonstrators’ demands have grown to include a call for universal suffrage and an inquiry into accusations of police brutality. — Austin Ramzy, New York Times, "Hong Kong Protesters Squeeze Access to the Airport," 1 Sep. 2019 Melamed also said that such inquiries are routine, and Budish has received similar letters in the past. — Courtney Astolfi, cleveland.com, "Cuyahoga County Board of Elections questions Budish campaign’s use of $208K for legal fees," 30 Aug. 2019 Impeaching President Trump would be a futile waste of time, but a formal impeachment inquiry would uncover evidence that will help voters make their decision in the 2020 general election, writes Eric Zorn. — Chicago Tribune Staff, chicagotribune.com, "Daywatch: Chicago faces looming $838 million budget shortfall, how ‘Yummy’ Sandifer’s story shocked the nation 25 years ago and other things to know to start your day," 30 Aug. 2019 An inquiry to Disney World about the number of cancellations or change requests this week wasn't answered. — Mike Schneider, Fortune, "The Force Is Strong at Disney World’s ‘Galaxy’s Edge’—But It May Be No Match for Hurricane Dorian," 30 Aug. 2019 An inquiry to Disney World about the number of cancellations or change requests this week wasn’t answered. — Washington Post, "The Force is now with Disney World, but the weather isn’t," 30 Aug. 2019 In Israel Binyamin Netanyahu, a consummate insider, portrays official inquiries into his alleged corruption as part of an establishment conspiracy against his premiership. — The Economist, "The corrupting of democracy," 29 Aug. 2019 Costco didn’t immediately answer phone calls and an online inquiry seeking comments on Tuesday’s shopping frenzy. — Time, "Amid Hour-Long Lines, Customers Fight Over Products as Costco Opens First Store in China," 29 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inquiry.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of inquiry

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

History and Etymology for inquiry

see inquire

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More Definitions for inquiry

inquiry

noun
How to pronounce inquiry (audio) How to pronounce inquiry (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of inquiry

: a request for information
: an official effort to collect and examine information about something
: the act of asking questions in order to gather or collect information

See the full definition for inquiry in the English Language Learners Dictionary

inquiry

noun
in·​qui·​ry | \ ˈin-ËŒkwÄ«-rÄ“ How to pronounce inquiry (audio) , -kwÉ™-\
plural inquiries

Kids Definition of inquiry

1 : the act of asking a question or seeking information On further inquiry, we learned his name.
2 : a request for information The inquiry is confidential.
3 : a thorough examination an official inquiry

inquiry

noun
in·​qui·​ry | \ ˈin-ËŒkwÄ«r-Ä“, in-ˈkwÄ«r-Ä“; ˈin-kwÉ™-rÄ“, ˈiÅ‹- How to pronounce inquiry (audio) \
plural inquiries

Legal Definition of inquiry

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
on inquiry
: having notice that inquiry should be made

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More from Merriam-Webster on inquiry

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with inquiry

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for inquiry

Spanish Central: Translation of inquiry

Nglish: Translation of inquiry for

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