search

"Search" is a very common and useful English word with a handful of closely related but distinct meanings. It works as both a verb and a noun, and you will encounter it constantly — in everyday conversation, technology, and even legal contexts. Here are the most important senses.

1verblook for something

When you search for something, you are actively trying to find it. You look carefully, often in many places or through many things. Think of it as a deliberate, focused effort to locate something — not just a quick glance.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

She searched the entire house for her missing keys.

He searched through the old boxes in the attic for his childhood photos.

The rescue team searched the forest for the lost hiker.

2verblook something up online or in a database

In the digital world, to search means to type a word or question into a search engine or app to find information. This is probably the most common way people use this word today.

technology, internet · Modern, widely used

I searched for the recipe online and found it in seconds.

You can search the company's website for contact details.

She searched his name on the internet to learn more about him.

3verbexamine a person or place officially

When police or security officers search someone or somewhere, they examine that person's body, bags, or a location carefully to find something hidden — like a weapon or stolen item. This is an official, formal action.

law, security · Modern, widely used

The police searched the suspect's apartment for evidence.

Security guards searched every bag at the entrance.

The officer searched the vehicle after stopping the driver.

4nounthe act of looking for something

As a noun, a search is the process or effort of trying to find something or someone. You can talk about a search being long, difficult, successful, or ongoing.

everyday language · Modern, widely used

After a long search, they finally found the missing child.

The search for a cure to the disease continues.

Police called off the search when it got dark.

5nouna query entered into a search engine

In technology, a search is the specific word or phrase you type into Google or another search engine. People often say 'do a search' or 'run a search' to mean looking something up online.

technology, internet · Modern, widely used

A quick search on Google gave me all the information I needed.

Her search history showed she had been looking up flights to Paris.

Try a different search if you are not finding the right results.

6verbfigurativelook deeply within yourself (figurative)

You will sometimes hear the phrase 'search your soul' or 'search your heart.' This means to think very deeply and honestly about your own feelings, values, or motivations — as if you are looking inside yourself for the truth.

everyday language, emotional/moral contexts · Modern, widely used · figurative

He searched his conscience before making the difficult decision.

She told him to search his heart and decide what truly mattered to him.

After the argument, I searched my soul and realized I had been wrong.