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Definition of experiment

(Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of experiment (Entry 2 of 2)

intransitive verb

experimentation

Examples of experiment in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'experiment.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English, "testing, proof, remedy," borrowed from Anglo-French esperiment, borrowed from Latin experīmentum "testing, experience, proof," from experīrī "to put to the test, attempt, have experience of, undergo" + -mentum -ment — more at experience entry 1

verbal derivative of experiment entry 1

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

1787, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing experiment

control experiment
controlled experiment
experiment station
pre - experiment
thought experiment

Articles Related to experiment

This is the Difference Between a...

This is the Difference Between a Hypothesis and a Theory

In scientific reasoning, they're two completely different things

Dictionary Entries Near experiment

experiential time

experimental

Cite this Entry

“Experiment.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/experiment. Accessed 25 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of experiment.

Kids Definition of experiment (Entry 2 of 2)

Medical Definition

Medical definition of experiment.

Medical Definition of experiment (Entry 2 of 2)

More from Merriam-Webster on experiment

Nglish: Translation of experiment for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of experiment for Arabic Speakers

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[ noun ik- sper - uh -m uh nt ; verb ek- sper - uh -ment ]

a chemical experiment; a teaching experiment; an experiment in living.

a product that is the result of long experiment.

Synonyms: investigation , research

Obsolete. experience .

verb (used without object)

to experiment with a new procedure.

a test or investigation, esp one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis: a scientific experiment
the act of conducting such an investigation or test; experimentation; research

a poetic experiment

an obsolete word for experience
intr to make an experiment or experiments

/ ĭk-spĕr ′ ə-mənt /

A test or procedure carried out under controlled conditions to determine the validity of a hypothesis or make a discovery.
See Note at hypothesis

Discover More

Derived forms.

exˈperiˌmenter , noun

Other Words From

ex·peri·menter ex·peri·mentor ex·peri·men·tator noun
preex·peri·ment noun
proex·peri·ment adjective
reex·peri·ment verb (used without object) noun
unex·peri·mented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of experiment 1

Synonym Study

Example sentences.

IBM hopes that a platform like RoboRXN could dramatically speed up that process by predicting the recipes for compounds and automating experiments.

The hope there is for improved sensitivity in searches for dark matter or experiments that might reveal some long-sought flaws in our standard model of particle physics.

The experiment represents early progress toward the possible development of an ultra-secure communications network beamed from space.

The new experiment represents, however, the first time scientists have applied machine learning to “validation,” a further step toward confirming results that involves additional statistical calculation.

At first, the sites amounted to experiments on the outer edges of the crypto universe, but in 2020 they have started to attract real money.

To put it rather uncharitably, the USPHS practiced a major dental experiment on a city full of unconsenting subjects.

If the noble experiment of American democracy is to mean anything, it is fidelity to the principle of freedom.

A classroom experiment seeks to demonstrate what it looks like.

This video, courtesy of BuzzFeed, tries a bit of an experiment to get some answers.

In the fall of 1992, Booker became a vegetarian “as an experiment,” he said, “and I was surprised by how much my body took to it.”

With Bacon, experientia does not always mean observation; and may mean either experience or experiment.

I made the experiment two years ago, and all my experience since has corroborated the conclusion then arrived at.

But this is quite enough to justify the inconsiderable expense which the experiment I urge would involve.

He commenced to experiment in electro-pneumatics in the year 1860, and early in 1861 communicated his discoveries to Mr. Barker.

Readers will doubtless be familiar with the well-known experiment illustrating this point.

Related Words

examination
experimentation
observation
undertaking

Online Language Dictionaries

'; audChoice = audChoice.replace(/ selected=["']selected["']/gm, '');var audT = document.getElementById('audT');if ((audT) && (audPref)) { //Parse the content if(audPref.indexOf(':') > -1) { var audPrefAccent = audPref.split(':')[0]; var playbackRate = audPref.split(':')[1]; } else { var audPrefAccent = audPref; var playbackRate = 1; } var re = new RegExp('( UK and possibly other pronunciations : /ɪkˈspɛr mənt/, : /ɪkˈspɛr mənt/ /ɪkˈspɛr mɛnt/

USA pronunciation: IPA/ ɪkˈspɛrəmənt; -ˌmɛnt/

US:USA pronunciation: respellingUSA pronunciation: respelling( ik sper ə mənt; ek sper ə ment′)

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WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2024
ex•per•i•ment ɪkˈspɛrəmənt; -ˌmɛnt/USA pronunciation n. ]a laboratory experiment. ]to prove by experiment.
v. ~ + with + object]The chemist was experimenting with the formula.[~ + on + object]The scientists experimented on two groups of subjects. , adj.
adv.
n. [ ]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2024
ex•per•i•ment ik sper ə mənt;v. ek sper ə ment′),USA pronunciation n. a teaching experiment;an experiment in living. Obs.]experience.
v.i. See experience, -ment i•ment′er, ex•per i•men′tor, ex•per i•men•ta′tor, n.
See research, investigation.
n /ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/ vb /ɪkˈspɛrɪˌmɛnt/ ) to make an experiment or experimentsEtymology: 14th Century: from Latin proof, trial, from to test; see experience

n ' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations): - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - , , , , , , , an experiment [kit, set] (for his birthday), the experiment [findings, results], a [medical, chemical, scientific, physical, laboratory, nuclear] experiment,

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controlled experiment
table-top experiment
run a check/test/experiment etc

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Parliaments

Simple Form
Present
I, you, we, they	experiment
he, she, it	experiments
> View More
Past
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	experimented
Present perfect
I, you, we, they	have experimented
he, she, it	has experimented
Past perfect
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	had experimented
Future
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will experiment
Future perfect
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will have experimented
> View Less

Continuous Form
Present
I	am experimenting
he, she, it	is experimenting
> View More
you, we, they	are experimenting
Past
I, he, she, it	was experimenting
you, we, they	were experimenting
Present perfect
I, you, we, they	have been experimenting
he, she, it	has been experimenting
Past perfect
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	had been experimenting
Future
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will be experimenting
Future perfect
I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will have been experimenting
> View Less

Look up a word, learn it forever.

/ɛkˈspirɪmɪnt/, /ɛkˈspɛrɪmənt/.

Other forms: experiments; experimenting; experimented

If you see your science-loving neighbor headed home with a power cord, a handful of test tubes, a stopwatch, and a bag of potatoes, there’s probably no need to be alarmed. There’s a good chance he’s only conducting an experiment , a scientific test conducted under controlled conditions.

To refer to a scientific test, use the noun experiment . If you want to describe the work done in conducting such a test, experiment will do the trick as well, since it can also act as a verb, as in "scientists experiment with helium." You can also use it more generally to describe trying a new method or idea. For example, you could experiment with a new hairstyle or different routes to get to school or work.

noun the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation synonyms: experimentation see more see less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... testing the act of subjecting to experimental test in order to determine how well something works trial and error experimenting until a solution is found Michelson-Morley experiment a celebrated experiment conducted by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley; their failure to detect any influence of the earth's motion on the velocity of light was the starting point for Einstein's theory of relativity control experiment an experiment designed to control for variables affecting the results of another experiment type of: research project , scientific research research into questions posed by scientific theories and hypotheses
noun the testing of an idea “it was an experiment in living” synonyms: experimentation see more see less types: show 7 types... hide 7 types... pilot experiment a preliminary experiment whose outcome can lead to a more extensive experiment test , trial , trial run , tryout trying something to find out about it field test , field trial a test of the performance of some new product under the conditions in which it will be used alpha test (computer science) a first test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by the developer beta test (computer science) a second test of an experimental product (such as computer software) carried out by an outside organization road test a test to insure that a vehicle is roadworthy trial balloon a test of public opinion type of: enquiry , inquiry , research a search for knowledge
noun a venture at something new or different “as an experiment he decided to grow a beard” see more see less type of: venture any venturesome undertaking especially one with an uncertain outcome
verb conduct a test or investigation “We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease” synonyms: try out try something new, as in order to gain experience see more see less type of: investigate , look into investigate scientifically
verb try something new, as in order to gain experience “The composer experimented with a new style” synonyms: try out

Vocabulary lists containing experiment

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experiment (noun)
experiment (verb)
Students will carry out simple laboratory experiments .
perform/conduct/do/run an experiment
a failed experiment
They did some experiments with magnets.
a series of experiments on rats [=done to rats]
These theories have not yet been confirmed by experiment .
I'd like to paint the room a different color, just as an experiment . [=to see if it looks good or not]
an experiment in living more frugally
the city's experiment with a longer school year
They experimented with magnets.
researchers experimenting on rats
an artist who's always experimenting [=trying new things]
He's been experimenting with various materials.
She experimented with different kinds of weaving.
The school is experimenting with a longer school year.
teenagers experimenting with drugs [=using illegal drugs to find out if they like them]

— experimentation

scientific experimentation with/on rats
artistic experimentation

— experimenter

and ?

used as a usually rough and temporary replacement for something

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1.1 Etymology
1.2 Pronunciation
1.3.1 Derived terms
1.3.2 Translations
1.4.1 Derived terms
1.4.2 Translations
1.4.3 References
2.1 Etymology
2.2 Pronunciation
2.3.1 Derived terms
2.4 References
2.5 Further reading
3.1 Etymology
3.2 Pronunciation
3.3.1 Declension
3.3.2 Related terms
3.4 Further reading
4.1 Etymology
4.2 Pronunciation
4.3.1 Related terms
4.3.2 Descendants
5.1 Etymology
5.2.1 Related terms
6.1 Etymology
6.2.1 Declension
7.1 Etymology
7.2 Pronunciation
7.3.1 Declension
7.3.2 Related terms
7.4 References

From Middle English experiment , from Old French esperiment ( French expérience ), from Latin experimentum ( “ experience, attempt, experiment ” ) , from experior ( “ to experience, to attempt ” ) , itself from ex + *perior , in turn from Proto-Indo-European *per- .

Pronunciation

( UK ) IPA ( key ) : /ɪkˈspɛɹ.ɪ.mənt/ , /ɛkˈspɛɹ.ɪ.mənt/

Audio ( ):

( )

Hyphenation: ex‧per‧i‧ment

experiment ( plural experiments )

1837 , L[etitia] E[lizabeth] L[andon ], “The Laboratory”, in Ethel Churchill: Or, The Two Brides. [ … ] , volume II, London: Henry Colburn , [ … ] , →OCLC , page 327 : From her childhood she had been accustomed to watch, and often to aid, in her uncle's chemical experiments ; she was, therefore, not at a loss, as a complete novice in the science would have been.
1590 , Edmund Spenser, “Book II, Canto VI”, in The Faerie Queene. [ … ] , London: [ … ] [ John Wolfe ] for William Ponsonbie , →OCLC : Pilot [...] Vpon his card and compas firmes his eye, The maisters of his long experiment , And to them does the steddy helme apply [...].

Derived terms

blue bottle experiment
control experiment
double-slit experiment
experimental
factorial experiment
forbidden experiment
ganzfeld experiment
gedanken experiment
Hughes-Drever experiment
Michelson-Morley experiment
Milgram experiment
noble experiment
science experiment
sexperiment
thought experiment
Valsalvian experiment
Wizard of Oz experiment

Translations

(tajriba), (iḵtibār) (pʻorj), (pʻorjarkum) , (təjribə) (ekspjerymjént), (eksperymént), (dósljed), (vópyt), (próba) (porikkha) (ópit), (eksperimént) (a.cam:), (a.cam:a.sap) ／ (sat jim ) ／ (shíyàn) , , , (eksṗerimenṭi) , (peírama) (peîra) (nisúi) (prayog), (tajurbā), (parīkṣā) , , (じっけん, jikken) (täjıribe), (éksperiment) (paʼreksaa), (pisaot) (silheom) (tajrıyba), (eksperiment) (kān thot lǭng) , , (opit), (eksperimént), (ogled) , , , (āzmāyeš), (tajreba) (âzmâyeš), (tajrobe) , , (Brazil), (Portugal) (parīkhiā) (eksperimént), (ópyt), (próba) , , , , , , (ozmoyiš), (tajriba), (tajruba) (täcribä), (eksperiment) (prayōgamu) (gaan-tót-lɔɔng) (n), , , (eksperymént), (dóslid), (dósvid), (spróba) (tajriba) (tejribe) , (eksperiment)

) , ) )

experiment ( third-person singular simple present experiments , present participle experimenting , simple past and past participle experimented )

1951 October, “Models Assist Rolling Stock Design”, in Railway Magazine , page 647 : As well as demonstrating operating facilities, full-size car body models are used for experimenting with new types of interior finish, systems of lighting, positioning of route diagrams and advertisements, and the best form of windscreens at doorways, and the height and location of handgrips and handrails.
1978 August 19, David Brill, “California Here I Come!”, in Gay Community News , volume 6, number 5, page 10 : Bob is a shameless tourist: Coit Tower, Fisherman's Wharf, Twin Peaks, ad infinitum. I think walking the streets with a map in hand looks dumb; experimenting is much more fun.
1662 Thomas Salusbury, Galileo's Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems (Dialogue 2): The Earth, the which may have carried us about perpetually ... without our being ever able to experiment its rest.
1481 , The Mirrour of the World , William Caxton, 1.5.22 : Til they had experimented whiche was trewe, and who knewe most.
experimenter

(jarraba) (pʻorjarkel) (ekspjerymjentavácʹ) or (eksperimentíram) , ／ (shíyàn) , (peiramatízomai) (じっけんする, jikken suru) (pisaot) (silheomhada) or (eksperimentíra) , (eksperimentírovatʹ), (proizvodítʹ ópyt), (proizvestí ópyt), (stávitʹ ópyt), (postávitʹ ópyt) (tót-lɔɔng) (eksperymentuváty)

) )

John A. Simpson and Edmund S. C. Weiner , editors ( 1989 ), “experiment”, in The Oxford English Dictionary , 2nd edition, Oxford: Clarendon Press , →ISBN .

Borrowed from Latin experīmentum . First attested in 1460. [1]

IPA ( key ) : ( Central ) [əks.pə.ɾiˈmen]
IPA ( key ) : ( Balearic ) [əks.pə.ɾiˈment]
IPA ( key ) : ( Valencia ) [eks.pe.ɾiˈment]

experiment m ( plural experiments )

experimentar
^ “ experiment ”, in Gran Diccionari de la Llengua Catalana , Grup Enciclopèdia Catalana , 2024

Related terms

experimentální
experimentovat
experiment in Příruční slovník jazyka českého , 1935–1957
experiment in Slovník spisovného jazyka českého , 1960–1971, 1989
experiment in Internetová jazyková příručka

From Middle Dutch experiment , from Old French experiment , from Latin experimentum .

IPA ( key ) : /ˌɛks.peː.riˈmɛnt/

Audio:

( )

Hyphenation: ex‧pe‧ri‧ment
Rhymes: -ɛnt

experiment n ( plural experimenten , diminutive experimentje n )

experiment Synonyms: proef , test
experimentatie
experimenteel
experimenteren

Descendants

From Latin experīmentum .

experiment m ( plural experiments )

Borrowed from Latin experimentum .

experiment n ( plural experimente )

	singular		plural
	indefinite articulation	definite articulation	indefinite articulation	definite articulation
nominative/accusative	(un)		(niște)
genitive/dative	(unui)		(unor)
vocative

Borrowed from Latin experīmentum , attested from 1682. [1]

IPA ( key ) : /ɛksp(ɛ)rɪˈmɛnt/

experiment n

Declension of
	Singular		Plural
	Indefinite	Definite	Indefinite	Definite
Nominative
Genitive

experimentell
^ experiment in Svensk ordbok .
experiment in Svenska Akademiens ordlista ( SAOL )
experiment in Svenska Akademiens ordbok ( SAOB )

English terms derived from Proto-Indo-European
English terms derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *per- (risk)
English terms inherited from Middle English
English terms derived from Middle English
English terms derived from Old French
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Rhymes:Dutch/ɛnt
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Experiment Definition

experimentation
testing program
pilot-project
put-to-the-test
follow a clue
make inquiry
conduct an experiment

Other Word Forms of Experiment

Origin of experiment.

Middle English from Old French from Latin experīmentum from experīrī to try per- 3 in Indo-European roots

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

From Old French experiment (French: expérience), from Latin experimentum.

From Wiktionary

Experiment Sentence Examples

I shut down my experiment at six o'clock.

Quinn's experiment is very important to him.

We updated him on our experiment but his mind was elsewhere.

If chemical compounds can be proved by experiment to obey these laws, then the atomic theory acquires a high degree of probability; if they are contradicted by experiment then the atomic theory must be abandoned, or very much modified.

You will be glad to hear that my experiment is working out finely.

Student performing science experiment with variables

Find Similar Words

Find similar words to experiment using the buttons below.

Words Starting With

Words ending with, unscrambles, words starting with e and ending with t, word length, words near experiment in the dictionary.

experiential
experiential-advertising
experientialism
experientialist
experientiality
experientially
experimental
experimental aesthetics
experimental-design
experimentalism
experimentalist

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	a test or trial to discover something unknown, esp. a scientific one to test a hypothesis. : a test or trial to discover something unknown, esp. a scientific one to test a hypothesis.', '', '');"> : a test or trial to discover something unknown, esp. a scientific one to test a hypothesis.', '', '');"> , , , ,
	the process of conducting such tests or trials. , , , , ,
	, ,
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	experiments, experimenting, experimented
	to conduct or perform an experiment; explore by trial and error. , , ,
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	experimenter (n.)

	See
	, , , , ,

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experiment noun

Hide all quotations

What does the noun experiment mean?

There are 13 meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun experiment , five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

How common is the noun experiment ?

How is the noun experiment pronounced?

British english, u.s. english, where does the noun experiment come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun experiment is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for experiment is from before 1382, in Bible (Wycliffite, early version) .

experiment is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: French experiment ; Latin experīmentum .

Nearby entries

experiencing, adj. 1697–
experiency, n. 1556
experient, adj. & n. ?1440–
experiential, adj. 1658–
experientialism, n. 1865–
experientialist, n. 1866–
experientially, adv. 1647–
experiential philosopher, n. 1866–
experiential philosophy, n. 1848–
experiently, adv. 1473–1849
experiment, n. a1382–
experiment, v. 1481–
experimental, adj. & n. c1449–
experimental archaeology | experimental archeology, n. 1961–
experimental farm, n. 1739–
experimentalism, n. 1808–
experimentalist, n. & adj. 1677–
experimentalize, v. 1751–
experimentalizer, n. 1831–
experimentalizing, n. 1809–1929
experimentally, adv. a1460–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for experiment, n..

experiment, n. was revised in March 2024.

experiment, n. was last modified in June 2024.

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Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into experiment, n. in June 2024.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1894)

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Definition of experiment verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

present simple I / you / we / they experiment	/ɪkˈsperɪment/ /ɪkˈsperɪment/
he / she / it experiments	/ɪkˈsperɪments/ /ɪkˈsperɪments/
past simple experimented	/ɪkˈsperɪmentɪd/ /ɪkˈsperɪmentɪd/
past participle experimented	/ɪkˈsperɪmentɪd/ /ɪkˈsperɪmentɪd/
-ing form experimenting	/ɪkˈsperɪmentɪŋ/ /ɪkˈsperɪmentɪŋ/

After experimenting at Columbia University, he realized that fission was the key to releasing nuclear energy.
experiment on somebody/something Some people feel that experimenting on animals is wrong.
They experimented successfully on the plants to discover disease-resistant varieties.
experiment with something The country had secretly experimented with biological weapons for years.
successfully
continue to

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	? for ? Here's the word you're looking for. ) To an experiment. ) To ; to ; to ; to . ) To or by experiment; to ; to make an experiment on. : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : with the new compounds to ascertain their effectiveness.” ) To make upon. ) To experiment. : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : on an apron or cravat, will never again try any other method.” on herself?” ) To observe certain events; undergo a certain feeling or process; or perform certain actions that may alter one or contribute to one's knowledge, opinions, or skills. : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : the joy of achieving her goals, a feeling that would continue to motivate her throughout her life.” : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … ) To . : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : with tub bass, washboard, and kazoo.” by exposing paraffin wax to crushed Salvia leaves and found the solid wax readily adsorbed the volatile terpenes from the air.” on her own, and was influenced by other Scherenschnitte artists.” : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , … : radical swings in emotion several times each day.” unprecedented good times.” very difficult times now.”









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noun as in investigation, test

Strongest matches

analysis , attempt , enterprise , examination , exercise , experimentation , measure , observation , operation , practice , probe , procedure , research , search , study , trial , undertaking , venture

Strong matches

agreement , assay , check , dissection , essay , fling , proof , quiz , rehearsal , scrutiny , speculation , try , try-on , tryout , verification

Weak matches

dry run , R and D , research and development , trial and error , trial run

verb as in investigate, test

analyze , examine , explore

assay , diagnose , probe , prove , research , sample , scrutinize , search , speculate , study , try , venture , verify , weigh

fool with , futz around , mess around , play around with , practice with , put to the test , shake down , try on , try on for size , try out