scan

/skæn/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: scans · scanning · scanned

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To examine sequentially, carefully, or critically; to scrutinize; to behold closely.

Verb

Examples

She scanned the passage carefully but could not find what she was looking for.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To examine sequentially, carefully, or critically; to scrutinize; to behold closely. — To inspect, analyse or go over, often to find something.

Verb

Examples

to scan the hard drive for errors

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A close investigation. — Of written things, a careful reading.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A close investigation. — Of written things, a cursory reading: a skim.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “scan” mean?

To examine sequentially, carefully, or critically; to scrutinize; to behold closely.

Is “scan” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.