The search API

A search consists of one or more queries that are combined and sent to Elasticsearch. Documents that match a search’s queries are returned in the hits, or search results, of the response.

A search may also contain additional information used to better process its queries. For example, a search may be limited to a specific index or only return a specific number of results.

You can use the search API to search and aggregate data stored in Elasticsearch data streams or indices.

For more information, refer to the search API overview in the core Elasticsearch docs.

Query DSL is full-featured JSON-style query language that enables complex searching, filtering, and aggregations.

The _search API’s query request body parameter accepts queries written in Query DSL.

Retrievers are an alternative to Query DSL that allow you to configure complex retrieval pipelines using a simplified syntax. Retrievers simplify the user experience by allowing entire retrieval pipelines to be configured in a single _search API call.

Learn more in the Retrievers overview in the core Elasticsearch docs.