search

word

/ˈsɝtʃ/
surch
/sˈɜːtʃ/
surch

Definition

To look carefully for someone or something because you want to find them. As a noun, it also means the act of trying to find something, especially information or a lost thing.

Usage & Nuances

Very common in both everyday and digital contexts: 'search for my keys', 'search the bag', 'search online'. 'Search for' focuses on what you want to find; 'search' + place/person means examine that place or person. As a noun, common collocations include 'do a search', 'internet search', and 'search results'.

Example Sentences

I search the internet for new recipes.

basic

The police searched the car after the accident.

basic

Our search for the cat lasted all night.

basic

I’ve been searching for my headphones everywhere, and they were on my desk the whole time.

natural

Just search his name online — you’ll find tons of articles about him.

natural

I did a quick search, but nothing useful came up.

natural