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Definition of explorer

Examples of explorer in a sentence.

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'explorer.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

1577, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Dictionary Entries Near explorer

explorer tent

Cite this Entry

“Explorer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/explorer. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of explorer, medical definition, medical definition of explorer, more from merriam-webster on explorer.

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for explorer

Nglish: Translation of explorer for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of explorer for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about explorer

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Why We Explore

Students discuss the meaning of exploration and places they would like to explore. They compare past and present-day explorers’ reasons for exploration to their own.

Earth Science, Oceanography, Geography, Physical Geography

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Background Information

Exploration has a broad definition but can be considered travel over new territory—undiscovered or new to the explorer—for adventure or discovery, or looking at something in a careful way to learn more about it. An expedition is a journey that requires planning and purpose setting, and is usually undertaken by a group of people, for a specific purpose, such as to explore a distant place or to do research.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

• list and assess ideas for why people explore, historically and currently
• brainstorm ideas for their own explorations
• analyze the purpose behind a Bahamas expedition

Teaching Approach

• Learning-for-use

Teaching Methods

• Brainstorming
• Discussions
• Multimedia instruction

Preparation

Materials you provide.

• Butcher paper
• Colored sticker dots
• Masking tape

Required Technology

• Internet Access: Required
• Tech Setup: 1 computer per classroom, Projector, Speakers

Physical Space

• Large-group instruction
• Small-group work

1. Define “exploration.”

Ask students how they define “exploration,” writing all ideas on the board. Next, ask: Who do you think of when you hear the word “explorer”? Explain that although explorers like Marco Polo or Christopher Columbus typically come to mind, there are many present-day explorers and anyone can be an explorer. In this activity students will investigate why people explore and consider places they would like to explore.

2. Brainstorm ideas about exploration.

Use a round robin approach to generate students’ ideas about exploration. Group 3-5 students at each table, and have them choose a scribe. Give each group a marker and a sheet of butcher paper with one of these questions on each paper:

• Why do people explore?
• What places have you explored? What did you learn?
• What places would you like to explore in or near your city or town? Why?
• What places would you like to explore in your home country? Why?
• What places would you like to explore outside of your country? Why?

At the teacher’s signal, each group brainstorms while the scribe captures the ideas. After two minutes, have students pass their butcher paper in a clockwise direction to the next table. Each group has one student read aloud the question and the ideas from the previous group, and then the group again brainstorms new ideas to add to the previous groups’ ideas, without repeating ideas. Allow each group to add their ideas for each question.

3. Have students mark their favorite ideas.

Give each student ten stickers or markers. Hang the sheets of butcher paper on the walls around the room. Give students five minutes to move around the room to read the questions and ideas on each sheet, marking their two favorite ideas for each question. As a class, discuss students’ ideas and favorites for “ Why do people explore?” and “What places have you explored?” Call out the most-favored places they’d like to explore, and save these lists for a later activity.

4. Analyze past vs. present day exploration

Explain that it is now important to discuss how explorations have changed over time because exploration has continually shaped our world (e.g., spice routes and connecting cultures). Ask students: How might reasons for exploration have changed over time? What ways do you think exploration has shaped our world? (Hint: think about the voyages of past and present-day explorers, how technology has changed, and how commerce has changed) .  If students need ideas, allow them to do research online about these questions. Ask them to discuss and write down their ideas in small groups and then share them with the class. Discuss differences and similarities between groups’ ideas. Ask students to save their ideas because they will use them later when they are developing their own “micro-expeditions.”

5. Discuss the difference between exploration and expeditions.

Explain that so far we have focused on exploration, but let’s consider now how exploration might be different from an expedition. Ask: What’s the difference between exploration and an expedition? (With exploration, the goal is simply to find out more about a place. With an expedition, scientists or explorers have some background knowledge but seek evidence, or data, to help in answering specific questions. Expeditions also require substantial planning to ensure they are able to achieve this purpose.) Have students share their ideas with the class. Write down the ideas on butcher paper and keep them for use in Activity #2—Plan and Prepare for an Expedition—to help students keep the characteristics of an expedition clear in their minds.

6. Analyze the reasons behind present-day expeditions.

Have students analyze a present-day expedition. Explain to students that there is a place far from people, barely explored, and full of danger, that needs to be explored now because the risk is that it will soon be lost. There are places about 60 miles from Florida, on the islands called the Bahamas that fit this description—places called “blue holes.” Have students watch the video clip, Mapping the Unknown, Part 1: Kenny Broad and Blue Holes , to look for reasons why scientists wanted to explore the blue holes there. Have students answer these three questions in a paragraph for each:

• What is the purpose of this blue holes expedition? What do you think the scientists want to accomplish?
• Do you think the explorers/scientists on the Blue Holes Expedition would agree with your reasons for exploring from the brainstorming today? Explain. What additional reasons do they have for why they explore?
• How is the Blue Hole Expedition different than historical explorations? (Hint: think about available technology and scientific advancements as well as purpose.)

Conclude the activity by explaining that students will now focus in the next set of activities on the details of conducting an expedition, culminating in implementing their own micro-expeditions. They should keep their ideas from this activity in mind throughout the process to help them develop their plans.

Informal Assessment

Have students summarize in writing their ideas for the questions in Step 4. Check for synthesis of ideas about exploration and a comparison of the class’ ideas with the approach to exploration in the video.

Extending the Learning

Show the short videos A Young Explorer and Why Water Exploration? in which Dr. Kenny Broad talks about why he liked to explore as a kid and where his interest in water exploration came from. Ask: What do you think is his motivation for exploration, past and present?

Students can research present-day explorers on the National Geographic Explorers website . Students can choose an explorer and determine the purpose of their explorations. Discuss whether the featured explorers changed students’ definitions of what it means to explore.

Tips & Modifications

Students can research citizen science opportunities that align with their exploration interests. Have them explore CitSci.org , iNaturalist.org , National Geographic Education Citizen Science Projects , or look for other opportunities in their local area.

Skills Summary

This activity targets the following skills:

• Media Literacy
• Communication and Collaboration
• Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
• Asking Geographic Questions
• Planning and carrying out investigations

Connections to National Standards, Principles, and Practices

Ira/ncte standards for the english language arts.

• Standard 12: Students use spoken, written, and visual language to accomplish their own purposes (e.g., for learning, enjoyment, persuasion, and the exchange of information).
• Standard 8: Students use a variety of technological and informational resources (e.g., libraries, databases, computer networks, video) to gather and synthesize information and to create and communicate knowledge.

National Council for Social Studies Curriculum Standards

• Theme 3: People, Places, and Environments

National Geography Standards

• Standard 4: The physical and human characteristics of places

National Science Education Standards

• (5-8) Standard G-1 : Science as a human endeavor
• (5-8) Standard G-2 : Nature of science
• (5-8) Standard G-3 : History of science
• (9-12) Standard G-1 : Science as a human endeavor
• (9-12) Standard G-2 : Nature of scientific knowledge
• (9-12) Standard G-3 : Historical perspectives

Media Credits

The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

Video Editor

Expert reviewers, national geographic explorer, production assistant, last updated.

March 7, 2024

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Definition of explore verb from the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary

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Definition of 'explore'

Video: pronunciation of explore

explore in American English

Explore in british english, examples of 'explore' in a sentence explore, related word partners explore, trends of explore.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

Browse alphabetically explore

• exploratory surgery
• exploratory talks
• exploratory well
• explore a castle
• explore a cave
• explore a concept
• All ENGLISH words that begin with 'E'

Related terms of explore

• explore how
• explore fully
• explore ideas
• explore space
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[ ik- splawr , - splohr ]

verb (used with object)

to explore the island.

Let us explore the possibilities for improvement.

Synonyms: survey , investigate , research , study , probe

• Surgery. to investigate into, especially mechanically, as with a probe.
• Obsolete. to search for; search out.

verb (used without object)

• to engage in exploration .

/ ɪkˈsplɔː /

• tr to examine or investigate, esp systematically
• to travel to or into (unfamiliar or unknown regions), esp for organized scientific purposes
• tr med to examine (an organ or part) for diagnostic purposes
• obsolete. tr to search for or out

Discover More

Derived forms.

• exˈplorer , noun

Other Words From

• ex·plora·ble adjective
• ex·plora·bili·ty noun
• ex·ploring·ly adverb
• reex·plore verb reexplored reexploring
• unex·plora·ble adjective
• unex·plored adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of explore 1

Example Sentences

The course, designed in collaboration with the particular company and Forage, gives students a chance to “explore what a career would look like at their firm before the internship or entry-level application process opens,” Brunskill explains.

The Talon is a great way to access the river or lake explore the land surrounding a body of water.

There will also be a desktop version of the service available with an even richer set of features for users and their doctors to explore.

The result is a new season of Wild Thing, a podcast that explores the strange and unusual things that capture our imaginations.

It explored the bucket, and then leapt onto the rim, made several circuits, hopped down, and casually disappeared into the overgrown grass.

A 64-year-old animal trainer, he makes the six-hour round-trip every two weeks to submit to her and explore his sexuality.

In October, news broke that Regal hired Morgan Stanley to explore a possible sale.

Another side of Spider-Man that might be interesting to explore in a reboot is seeing him as an adult.

It has been incredible to explore so many artistic avenues when it comes to having a dialogue about a very serious disease.

But what I want to explore next, there are a couple of New Zealand films I want to do.

The world must certainly be round, he thought, and he was no longer satisfied to explore the waters near his own home.

No sooner was the spectroscope invented than astronomers hastened by its aid to explore the chemical constitution of the sun.

It made us feel that one ought to have two or three years to explore Britain instead of a single summer's vacation.

After a short conference the officer in command decided to divide the party and explore both paths.

Having eaten all his small stomach would hold, Lovin Child wanted to get down and explore.

Related Words

[ ak -s uh -lot-l ]

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• explorer: a person who explores.

• Cambridge Dictionary +Plus

Meaning of explore in English

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• Divers exploring the wreck managed to salvage some coins and jewellery .
• This small town makes an excellent base for exploring the area .
• We went on an expedition to explore the flora and fauna of Hornchurch Wood.
• Virtual Reality aims to give us artificial worlds to explore, outside normal space and time .
• A website may have many different web pages for you to click on and explore.
• She saw the isolation tanks as a means to explore the nature of human consciousness .
• I want to spend time exploring every aspect of the local culture .
• beachcomber
• beachcombing
• body search
• bounty hunter
• hunting ground
• keep your/an eye out for someone/something idiom
• leave no stone unturned idiom
• seek someone/something out
• shake someone down

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

explore | American Dictionary

Explore verb ( travel ), explore verb ( discover ), examples of explore, translations of explore.

Get a quick, free translation!

Word of the Day

have your hands full

to be so busy that you do not have time to do anything else

Binding, nailing, and gluing: talking about fastening things together

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The inside guide to exploring Hocking Hills, Ohio's natural wonderland

With the kind of big landscapes only America's Midwest can deliver, Hocking Hills in Ohio is ripe for outdoor adventure. From hiking to kayaking, here's all you need to know about planning your trip.

In the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, this nature-blessed region of Hocking Hills has mile after mile of hiking trails, with paths leading to sandstone rock pinnacles, echoing caves and waterfalls. You can speed above the tree canopy on a zipwire, paddle down a river in a kayak or scale a sheer cliff face. As night draws in, look up at star-spangled skies as you retreat to unique hideaways, from underground hobbit houses to luxe treehouses. Here's how best to experience Ohio's Hocking Hills.

Soar like a hawk among the treetops with Hocking Hills Canopy Tours . Plunging you into the wilds of Hocking Hills, cables and sky bridges send you soaring above forest, cliffs, waterfalls and the rushing Hocking River. If you want to ramp up the adventure, go for the cross-country X-Tour or the head-first SuperZip, picking up speeds of up to 50mph.  

For a deep dive into nature, Hocking Hills State Park beckons, with primeval forest that is a riot of colour in autumn and an impressive collection of caves. Top billing goes to the horseshoe-shaped Old Man’s Cave, where falls plummet into a crystal-blue pool. The cave takes its name from 18th-century hermit Richard Rowe, who lived in its depths. Alternatively, hike the five-mile loop trail to the Whispering Cave — a whisper is said to be heard 300 feet away on the other side of the cave. Trail maps and information on the park’s geology are available at the Old Man’s Cave parking lot.

Hocking Hills has extra sparkle at night, and the region draws keen stargazers with some of the country’s darkest night skies. The John Glenn Astronomy Park — around a mile west of Old Man’s Cave — is a great spot. On clear nights you’ll be dazzled by star clusters, bright planets, comets, meteor showers and the spray of the Milky Way. See the website for Friday and Saturday evening events, where you can peer through a giant telescope, with astronomers on hand to interpret.

If you’ve ever fancied rock climbing, Hocking Hills is the place. Climbers are in their element, with sandstone cliffs rising high above the tree canopy. Rappelling and rock climbing are available here, with routes for all levels traversing cliffs and pinnacles, through narrow rock walls and over boulders. High Rock Adventures provides all the gear as well as professional guides.

Not all adventure is fast-paced. Bounded by lush forest, the gently flowing Hocking River sets the scene for mellow trips by kayak or canoe. Excursions from Hocking Hills Canoe Livery range from easy, family-friendly rafting trips to five- or seven-mile kayak and canoe paddles for groups, couples or solo paddlers. Listening to the splash of water and trill of birds as you float along offers peace and solitude.

If you have time, family-run distillery Hocking Hills Moonshine takes you back to the Prohibition bootlegger era with ‘shine that will knock your socks off’ (and tours to see how it's made). Only the brave dare try the 151 proof Buckeye Thunder.

Where to stay

From back-to-nature campgrounds and riverside cabins to glamping tepees, Hocking Hills has plenty of unique places to bed down. For something special, the green-certified Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls has yurts, luxury lodges and rustic cabins with porch swings and geodesic domes immersed in greenery. Elsewhere, at the Valley View Hills Winery , cabins come with hot tubs and firepits, and chardonnays and malbecs are paired with stone-fired pizza. For romance at a bird’s-eye level, opt for the architecturally striking Treehouse Cabins . Or for a hobbit fantasy, stay in a cave at the Magical Earth Retreat .

Where to eat

Southern barbecue at Millstone and the famous hash, hand-cut noodles and all-day breakfast at old-school diner M & M — Hocking Hills’ food scene fires you up for the outdoors. The small town of Logan is a hub for gourmet coffee and freshly prepared paninis, stop by Hocking Hills Coffee Emporium for an authentic experience. Kindred Spirits restaurant at the Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls offers fine dining in 1840s log cabins and a seasonal menu of Italian-inspired dishes like steamed clams in tomato broth.

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Mission Timeline Summary

While every mission's launch timeline is different, most follow a typical set of phases - from launch to science operations.

Pre-launch Activities 

Preparation for the mission, including pre-project planning, science definition and instrument selection, landing site selection, assembly and testing, and delivery to the launch site.

Liftoff from Earth.

Cruise: The Trip to Mars

The interplanetary cruise phase is the period of travel from Earth to Mars and lasts about 200 days. The phase begins after the spacecraft separates from the rocket, soon after launch. Engineers on Earth keep close tabs on the mission during cruise. Major activities include:

• Checking spacecraft health and maintenance
• Monitoring and calibrating the spacecraft and its onboard subsystems and instruments
• Performing attitude correction turns (slight spins to keep the antenna pointed toward Earth for communications, and to keep the solar panels pointed toward the Sun for power)
• Conducting navigation activities, such as trajectory correction maneuvers, to determine and correct the flight path and train navigators before orbit insertion or atmospheric entry. The last three correction maneuvers are scheduled during approach.
• Preparing for entry, descent, and landing (EDL) and surface operations, a process which includes tests of communications, including the communications to be used during EDL.

The mission is timed for launch when Earth and Mars are in good positions relative to each other for landing on Mars. That is, it takes less power to travel to Mars at this time, compared to other times when Earth and Mars are in different positions in their orbits. As Earth and Mars orbit the Sun at different speeds and distances, about once every 26 months they are aligned in a way that allows the most energy-efficient trip to Mars.

Orbiter’s Journey

The approach phase begins two months prior to Mars orbit insertion.

Mars Orbit Insertion

Mars Orbit insertion is the point in the mission when a spacecraft arrives just short of Mars, firing onboard rockets to slow its speed relative to the planet, and it is captured into a long, looping orbit.

Aerobreaking

Aerobraking is a spaceflight technique wherein an orbiting spacecraft brushes against the top of a planetary atmosphere. The friction of the atmosphere against the surface of the spacecraft slows down and lowers the craft's orbital altitude. The solar panels are used to provide the maximum drag in a symmetrical position that allows some control as the spacecraft passes through the atmosphere. 

Instead of using onboard jets and propellant to adjust a spacecraft's orbit, aerobraking uses the atmosphere as both a brake and a steering wheel. The technique, however, shares more elements with sailing than with driving: successful aerobraking depends upon precise navigation, knowledge of weather, and a solid understanding of the forces the craft can withstand.

Science Operations

Orbiters begin their primary science phase when they enter science orbit and their instruments and other systems are calibrated and ready to collect science data.

Communications Relay

At the end of their primary missions, orbiters support the Mars Exploration Program by providing communications support to future Mars missions during approach, navigation, and relay. The relay orbit is similar to that of the primary science orbit. In general, this orbit allows for relay access to any point on Mars. Most locations on Mars will have contact opportunities once or twice per day.

Relay activities and other activities in support of newly arrived missions have highest priority during the relay phase. Electra, the navigation and telecommunications relay payload, can provide UHF coverage to Mars landers and rovers on the surface using its nadir-pointed (pointed straight down at the surface) antenna.

Rover/Lander’s Journey

To ensure a successful entry, descent, and landing, engineers began intensive preparations during the approach phase, about 45 days before the spacecraft entered the Martian atmosphere. It lasted until the spacecraft entered the Martian atmosphere, which extends 2,113 miles (3,522.2 kilometers) as measured from the center of the Red Planet.

Entry, Descent, and Landing

Entry, Descent, and Landing – often referred to as "EDL" – is the shortest and most intense phase of a rover mission. It begins when the spacecraft reaches the top of the Martian atmosphere, traveling at high speeds. It ends about seven minutes later, with the rover stationary on the Martian surface. To safely go from those speeds down to zero in that short amount of time, while hitting a narrow target on the surface, requires “slamming on the brakes” in a very careful, creative, and challenging way.

Instrument Checks and First Drive  

After landing, when engineers first conduct tests to ensure the rover is in a "safe state."

Surface Operations

For spacecraft that land on the surface of Mars, the surface operations phase is the time when spacecraft learn about Mars through day-to-day scientific activities of the rover.

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