probe
prohb
Probe (noun) means a formal investigation into a matter, often one involving wrongdoing. Example: “The council ordered a probe into how the money for the new bridge was spent.”
noun
1
A formal investigation into a matter, often one involving wrongdoing.
"The council ordered a probe into how the money for the new bridge was spent."
"A police probe is under way after the charity's funds went missing."
"Authorities launched a probe into the company's accounting practices."
2
A slender instrument used to explore a wound, cavity, or piece of equipment.
"The engineer pushed a thin probe into the engine to look for a blockage."
"The dentist gently touched the tooth with a small probe."
"The doctor used a thin metal probe to check the depth of the wound."
3
An uncrewed spacecraft sent to gather information about a distant location.
"The probe travelled for years before it reached the edge of the solar system."
"Engineers on Earth sent new instructions to the probe orbiting a distant moon."
"The space probe sent back the first close-up images of the planet's surface."
verb
1
To investigate or examine something closely, often to uncover hidden information.
"The inspector probed the manager about the missing paperwork."
"She gently probed her friend to find out why he seemed so upset."
"Reporters probed deeper into the senator's finances."
How to use probe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo investigate closely — or a tool/instrument (physical or figurative) used to do that investigating.
Common pairings
launch a probe
probe into
space probe
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Word forms
- Plural
- probes
- Third person singular
- probes
- Past tense
- probed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The council ordered a _____ into how the money for the new bridge was spent.
Etymology
From Latin probare, "to test or examine" — a doublet of "prove."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for probe
See all rhymes for probe →Frequently asked questions
What does “probe” mean?
The word “probe” means a formal investigation into a matter, often one involving wrongdoing. In plain terms, to investigate closely — or a tool/instrument (physical or figurative) used to do that investigating.
How do you pronounce “probe”?
“Probe” is pronounced prohb (/pɹoʊb/ in IPA).
How do you use “probe” in a sentence?
Here is “probe” used in a sentence: “Authorities launched a probe into the company's accounting practices.”
What part of speech is “probe”?
Depending on how it is used, “probe” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “probe” come from?
The word “probe” comes from Latin. From Latin probare, "to test or examine" — a doublet of "prove.".
Is “probe” a common word?
“Probe” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “probe” have?
“Probe” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal investigation into a matter, often one involving wrongdoing.
What is the difference between a probe and an investigation?
A probe is a formal investigation, so the words largely overlap, but "probe" adds the suggestion of digging deep to uncover hidden information and typically concerns suspected wrongdoing. It is also the standard headline word in journalism because it is short, as in "Senate opens fraud probe."
What is the difference between a space probe and a satellite?
A space probe is an uncrewed spacecraft sent to gather information about a distant location, such as another planet — it may fly past, orbit, or land on its target. A satellite remains in orbit around a single body, most often Earth. In short, probes travel to a destination, while satellites circle one.
When should you use probe instead of investigate?
Use "probe" when you want to stress a close, searching examination aimed at uncovering something hidden: "the reporter probed the company's finances." "Investigate" is the neutral, all-purpose choice. Probe also suits physical exploration, echoing its sense of a slender instrument exploring a wound or cavity.
What is a probe in medicine?
In medicine, a probe is a slender instrument used to explore a wound or body cavity, allowing a clinician to examine areas that cannot be seen directly. The same idea carries over to engineering, where a probe is a slim tool or sensor used to explore or test equipment.
