What does query mean?
A query is a request for information, a question, or a search of a database or other records. The related verb means to ask for information or to search a collection of data for particular results. In everyday conversation, query can sound formal or technical, and it may imply a request submitted through a particular channel rather than a casual question. In computing, a database query is an instruction that identifies what information to retrieve, often using filters such as dates, categories, or keywords. As a verb, query can describe asking a system for information: an analyst might query a database for sales figures or a customer might query an airline about a delayed flight. The word can also express doubt or challenge, as in raising a query about a decision. Its Latin ancestry, from quaerere, “to ask or seek,” reflects its central meaning: a deliberate attempt to obtain an answer or find information.
A request for information, a question, or an instruction to search a database or other records. It can also refer to an expression of doubt or a challenge.
"The help desk received a query about the new refund procedure."
A query is often more specific and procedural than a general question, especially in business, administration, and computing contexts.
To ask for information or clarification, especially by making a formal request. In computing, it means to search a database or other records for matching data.
"Users can query the archive by name, date, or collection."
The verb is common in formal and technical contexts, particularly when describing requests to information systems.
The regular plural is queries, with the final y changing to ies.
"The database administrator answered several queries about missing records."
From Latin quaerere, “to ask or seek,” query carries the idea of a question that goes looking for an answer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does query come from?
English query developed from Middle English and Old French forms that were borrowed from Latin quaerere, meaning “to ask” or “to seek.” The noun and verb have continued that sense through English, while modern computing extended query to mean an instruction that searches a database. Related English words such as question, quest, inquire, and acquire come through the same wider Latin root.
Related word forms
How query is actually used
In general use, query often suggests a direct request for information and can sound more technical or procedural than question. In computing, it specifically refers to a request for data or instructions to retrieve and analyze information.
Easily confused with query
A query is usually a specific request for information or a database search, whereas an inquiry can refer more broadly to a question or investigation.
A query is a question or search request, while a quest is a long, often difficult undertaking pursued with a particular goal.