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

Near closest approach, the spacecraft rapidly photographed the Martian surface as it crossed from the night side of the planet into daylight.

From Science Daily • May 26, 2026

One especially noticeable blue-black patch in the rougher section of the valley is believed to be volcanic ash that was later redistributed by Martian winds, as seen in the accompanying 3D perspective views.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2026

There, Lowell convinced himself that alien-built canals crisscrossed the Martian surface, though anyone who has observed Mars with a similar telescope knows it’s hard to see much detail at all.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

One way to potentially make such an "extraordinary claim" would be to bring some Martian rocks back to Earth so scientists can study them more closely, Williams said.

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

Police didn't arrive right away because they had gone to the supposed site of the Martian landing outside the city.

From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow