(also in·quiry especially in NAmE ) / ɪnˈkwaɪəri; NAmE ; NAmE usually ˈɪnkwəri/ noun ( pl. -ies )
1.
[ C ] enquiry (into sth) an official process to find out the cause of sth or to find out information about sth :
to hold / order an enquiry into the affair
a murder enquiry
a public enquiry into the environmental effects of the proposed new road
2.
[ C ] enquiry (from sb) (about sb/sth) a request for information about sb/sth; a question about sb/sth :
a telephone enquiry
We received over 300 enquiries about the job.
I'll have to make a few enquiries (= try to find out about it) and get back to you.
enquiries from prospective students
( BrE )
Two men have been helping police with their enquiries (= are being questioned about a crime, but have not been charged with it) .
3.
[ U ] the act of asking questions or collecting information about sb/sth :
scientific enquiry
The police are following several lines of enquiry .
a committee of enquiry
4.
enquiries [ pl. ] ( BrE ) a place where you can get information :
Ask at enquiries to see if your bag has been handed in.
—see also directory enquiries