physical science

American  

noun

1. any of the natural sciences dealing with inanimate matter or with energy, as physics, chemistry, and astronomy.

2. these sciences collectively.

---

physical science British  

noun

1. any of the sciences concerned with nonliving matter, energy, and the physical properties of the universe, such as physics, chemistry, astronomy, and geology Compare life science

---

physical science Scientific  

1. Any of several branches of science, such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy, that study the nature and properties of energy and nonliving matter.

2. Compare life science

---

Other Word Forms

• physical scientist noun

Etymology

Origin of physical science

First recorded in 1835–45

Compare meaning

How does physical-science compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• physical science vs. physics
• life science vs. physical science

Example Sentences

The Needham, Massachusetts, native holds a bachelor's degree in physical science from the United States Naval Academy and a master's degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne, Florida.

From Science Daily • Jan. 22, 2026

Students need solid grounding in the physical science of energy options to understand the fundamental limits of all energy-conversion approaches while recognizing the potential in new approaches like renewables and efficiency.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 8, 2024

I'm also part of the National Center for Science Education, using physical science concepts to teach climate change to my teenage students.

From BBC • Nov. 23, 2023

The study could help build the case for increasing safety and academic labs, says chemical safety expert Frankie Wood-Black, division chair of engineering, physical science, and process technology at Northern Oklahoma College.

From Science Magazine • Jun. 8, 2023

I had to run through the Saturday-morning deliveries pretty quickly, which wasn’t hard, as you might remember, since not everyone knows the basic principle of physical science.

From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt