depth-first search

Meanings

noundepth-first search (countable and uncountable, plural depth-first searches)

countableuncountablegraph theoryAn algorithm for traversing a tree or graph where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking.
Synonyms: DFS

nounAn algorithm for traversing a tree or graph where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible along each branch before backtracking.

Similar

Finnish syvyyshaku

syvyyshakualgorithm where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible down before going up

German Tiefensuche

Tiefensuchealgorithm where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible down before going up

Icelandic lóðleit, dýptarleit

lóðleitalgorithm where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible down before going up
dýptarleitalgorithm where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible down before going up

Polish przeszukiwanie wgłąb

przeszukiwanie wgłąbalgorithm where one starts at the root and explores as far as possible down before going up

Cite this entry

APA

depth-first search. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/depth-first%20search

MLA

“depth-first search.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/depth-first%20search. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “depth-first search,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/depth-first%20search.