inspection

noun

in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce inspection (audio)
1
a
: the act of inspecting
b
: recognition of a familiar pattern leading to immediate solution of a mathematical problem
solve an equation by inspection
2
: a checking or testing of an individual against established standards

Examples of inspection in a Sentence

Close inspection of the candles revealed some small defects. Regular inspections are required of all restaurants in the area. The barracks are ready for inspection.
Recent Examples on the Web Of the inspections carried out, Boeing failed 33 of them and Spirit failed a further seven, reports the New York Times. Owen Bellwood / Jalopnik, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 While there was no suggestion the photo was fake, AP retracted it because closer inspection revealed the source had manipulated the image in a way that did not meet AP’s photo standards. Jill Lawless, Twin Cities, 11 Mar. 2024 Aid will be routed through Cyprus, where the goods will undergo inspection by Israel. Alex Horton, Washington Post, 9 Mar. 2024 These are typically corrected or mitigated during the inspection. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 8 Mar. 2024 Franklin has seen recent turnover in numerous positions in its clerk’s office, planning, inspection, police, fire and other departments. Journal Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2024 The operation of Zaporizhzhia, like that of all nuclear-power plants, is subject to international law, and to regular inspections by the IAEA, a treaty organization that reports to the United Nations. Nataliya Gumenyuk, The Atlantic, 6 Mar. 2024 If listed in inspection reports, remedies implemented during the inspection are noted. Michael Braga, The Arizona Republic, 6 Mar. 2024 Aid officials said that, while necessary, the inspection system had caused significant delays that resulted in less overall aid. Michael Levenson, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of inspection was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near inspection

Cite this Entry

“Inspection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inspection. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

inspection

noun
in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce inspection (audio)
: the act or an instance of inspecting

Medical Definition

inspection

noun
in·​spec·​tion in-ˈspek-shən How to pronounce inspection (audio)
: visual observation of the body in the course of a medical examination compare palpation sense 2
inspect verb

Legal Definition

inspection

noun
in·​spec·​tion
: a careful and critical examination: as
a
: a buyer's examination of goods prior to payment or acceptance especially in accordance with section 2-513 of the Uniform Commercial Code
b
: an examination of articles of commerce to determine their fitness for transportation or sale
c
: an investigation of an applicant for insurance
d
: an examination or survey of a community, of premises, of a facility, or of a vehicle by an authorized person (as to determine compliance with regulations or susceptibility to fire or other hazards)
specifically : administrative search at search
e
: examination of documents, things, or property for purposes of making discovery for trial

More from Merriam-Webster on inspection

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