Search Dictionary
Definition of discovery

discovery

/dɪˈskʌv.ə.ɹi/
dis · cov · er · y
Plural:discoveries
•
Adjective:discoverable
JUMP TO:

discovery Lexical Profile

discovery Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The action or process of finding, detecting, or learning about something for the first time.

Example

"The accidental discovery of penicillin revolutionized modern medicine."

2

Something, such as a scientific breakthrough, natural phenomenon, or talented person, that has been found or recognized for the first time.

Example

"Researchers published their latest astronomical discoveries in a peer-reviewed journal."

3

The compulsory pretrial disclosure of pertinent documents, facts, and evidence by one party in a legal case to the opposing party.

Example

"During the discovery phase of the lawsuit, both legal teams exchanged thousands of internal emails."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for discovery
Antonyms
View all antonyms for discovery

Word Nuance & Usage

'Discovery' refers to finding or learning about something that already exists in nature or the universe, whereas 'invention' refers to creating a new device, method, or process that did not exist before.

• Rhymes for discovery

• Nearby Words

discoverability
discoverable
discoverer
discovery
discredit
discreditable
discreditably

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-16th century from the verb 'discover' plus the suffix '-y', tracing back through Old French 'descovrir' to Late Latin 'discooperire', meaning 'to uncover or lay bare'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Discovery. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/discovery
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.