Martian

American  

[mahr-shuhn] / ˈmɑr ʃən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like the planet Mars or its hypothetical inhabitants.

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noun

1. a supposed inhabitant of the planet Mars.

   The science-fiction novel was about the invasion of our planet by Martians.

Martian British  

/ ˈmɑːʃən /

adjective

1. of, occurring on, or relating to the planet Mars

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noun

1. an inhabitant of Mars, esp in science fiction

Other Word Forms

• trans-Martian
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of Martian

1350–1400; Middle English marcien < Latin Mārti ( us ) of, belonging to Mars ( see March) + -an

Example Sentences

The third-generation Starship is designed for lunar and Martian missions, with its 12th test flight anticipated in late May.

From Barron's • Apr. 26, 2026

Tantalizing traces of ancient Martian life may have been found.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Researchers hope the tubes of Martian rock, soil and sediment can eventually be brought back to Earth for study.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Wang, a research professor at Washington University in St. Louis and a fellow of the McDonnell Center for the Space Sciences, has recreated Martian conditions in the lab to study these effects.

From Science Daily • Apr. 5, 2026

A voice snapped, "What's wrong with Marshmallow Martian?"

From "Scream for Ice Cream: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #2" by Carolyn Keene