stud·y / ˈstədē/ • n. (pl. stud·ies) 1. the devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge on an academic subject, esp. by means of books: the study of English an application to continue full-time study. ∎  (studies) activity of this type as pursued by one person: some students may not be able to resume their studies. ∎  an academic book or article on a particular topic: a study of Jane Austen's novels. ∎  (studies) used in the title of an academic subject: a major in East Asian studies.2. a detailed investigation and analysis of a subject or situation: a study of a sample of 5,000 children | the study of global problems. ∎  a portrayal in literature or another art form of an aspect of behavior or character: a study of a man devoured by awareness of his own mediocrity. ∎ archaic a thing that is or deserves to be investigated; the subject of an individual's study: I have made it my study to examine the nature and character of the Indians. ∎ archaic the object or aim of someone's endeavors: the acquisition of a fortune is the study of all. ∎  a person who learns a skill or acquires knowledge at a specified speed: I'm a quick study.3. a room used or designed for reading, writing, or academic work.4. a piece of work, esp. a drawing, done for practice or as an experiment. ∎  a musical composition designed to develop a player's technical skill.5. (a study in) a thing or person that is an embodiment or good example of something: he perched on the edge of the bed, a study in confusion and misery. ∎ inf. an amusing or remarkable thing or person: Ira's face was a study as he approached the car.• v. (stud·ies, stud·ied) [tr.] 1. devote time and attention to acquiring knowledge on (an academic subject), esp. by means of books: she studied biology and botany. ∎  investigate and analyze (a subject or situation) in detail: he has been studying mink for many years. ∎  [intr.] apply oneself to study: he spent his time listening to the radio rather than studying. ∎  [intr.] acquire academic knowledge at an educational establishment: he studied at the Kensington School of Art. ∎  [intr.] (study up) learn intensively about something, esp. in preparation for a test of knowledge: a graduate student studies up for her doctoral exams. ∎  (of an actor) try to learn (the words of one's role). ∎ W. Indian give serious thought or consideration to: the people here don't make so much noise, so you will find that the government doesn't have us to study.2. look at closely in order to observe or read: she bent her head to study the plans.3. archaic make an effort to achieve (a result) or take into account (a person or their wishes): with no husband to study, housekeeping is mere play.PHRASES: in a brown study absorbed in one's thoughts.