experiment

[ik-sper-uh-muhnt, ek-sper-uh-ment]

noun

1. a test, trial, or tentative procedure; an act or operation for the purpose of discovering something unknown or of testing a principle, supposition, etc..

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

2. the conducting of such operations; experimentation.

   a product that is the result of long experiment.

   Synonyms: investigation, research

3. Obsolete.,  experience.

verb (used without object)

1. to try or test, especially in order to discover or prove something.

   to experiment with a new procedure.

experiment

noun

1. a test or investigation, esp one planned to provide evidence for or against a hypothesis: a scientific experiment

2. the act of conducting such an investigation or test; experimentation; research

3. an attempt at something new or different; an effort to be original

   a poetic experiment

4. an obsolete word for experience

verb

1. (intr) to make an experiment or experiments

experiment

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

2. See Note at hypothesis

Other Word Forms

• experimenter noun
• experimentor noun
• experimentator noun
• preexperiment noun
• proexperiment adjective
• reexperiment verb (used without object)
• unexperimented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of experiment¹

First recorded in 1325–75; Middle English: “proof,” from Latin experīmentum “test, trial,” from experī(rī) “to test, try” ( experience ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of experiment¹

C14: from Latin experīmentum proof, trial, from experīrī to test; see _experience

Synonym Study

See trial.

Example Sentences

As more brands experiment with AI models and digital clones, fashion workers are wrestling with how to stay relevant in a field that’s already fiercely competitive.

From Los Angeles Times

I’m not saying this to brag, but rather, to affirm the shrewd experiment that series creator James Gunn concocted within this second season.

From Salon

They experimented with some less experienced arms, but none of them performed well.

From Los Angeles Times

"I would recommend going with what taste and cost considerations you have and experiment with different types of oil that will bring you some health benefits," she explains.

From BBC

“It is time to end this unprecedented experiment in militarized law enforcement and conscription of state National Guard troops outside the narrow conditions allowed by Congress.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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