experimental
Americanadjective
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pertaining to, derived from, or founded on experiment.
an experimental science.
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of the nature of an experiment; tentative.
The new program is still in an experimental stage.
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functioning as an experiment or used for experimentation.
an experimental airplane.
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based on or derived from experience; empirical.
experimental knowledge.
noun
adjective
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relating to, based on, or having the nature of experiment
an experimental study
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based on or derived from experience; empirical
experimental evidence
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tending to experiment
an experimental artist
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tentative or provisional
an experimental rule in football
Other Word Forms
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experimentallyadverb
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nonexperimentaladjective
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nonexperimentallyadverb
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postexperimentaladjective
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preexperimentaladjective
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pseudoexperimentaladjective
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pseudoexperimentallyadverb
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quasi-experimentaladjective
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quasi-experimentallyadverb
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semiexperimentaladjective
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semiexperimentallyadverb
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unexperimentaladjective
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unexperimentallyadverb
Etymology
Origin of experimental
First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English word from Medieval Latin word experīmentālis. See experiment, -al 1
Explanation
The adjective experimental is good for describing things that are still in a trial stage. An experimental drug is usually tested in a lab for years before being used on patients. Something that's experimental is at an early stage, being observed, tested out, and subjected to experiments as it's being developed. An experimental space craft might be launched and watched from afar as scientists decide what changes to make before it can be used for human space exploration. Experimental medicines are sometimes tested on animals before they're given to people. The 15th century meaning was "having experience," from the Latin root experimentum, "test or trial."
Vocabulary lists containing experimental
Awkward
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Content Summary 5.1: Causes of the Atlantic Revolutions
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for July 3–July 9, 2021
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
However, Geisbet says it is encouraging to hear that the WHO will be prioritising the use of the experimental anti-viral drug Obladesivir, under strict protocols.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
Machine-learning-assisted simulations showed how sodium interacted with the glass at the atomic level, confirming the experimental results.
From Science Daily • May 22, 2026
Merck advanced 5.3% following promising trial results for an experimental cancer drug combination as the pharmaceutical giant races to defend its oncology franchise ahead of a key patent expiration.
From Barron's • May 22, 2026
Another experimental Bundibugyo vaccine is in development, but it is expected to take six to nine months for any dose of that to be ready for testing.
From BBC • May 22, 2026
“The school board has decided that next year will be an experimental year. We’re going to try looping in one classroom.”
From "Because of Mr. Terupt" by Rob Buyea
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
