experimental

adjective

ex·​per·​i·​men·​tal ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈmen-tᵊl How to pronounce experimental (audio)
 also  -ˌspir-
1
: of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment
2
a
: serving the ends of or used as a means of experimentation
an experimental school
b
: relating to or having the characteristics of experiment : tentative
still in the experimental stage
experimentally
ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈmen-tᵊl-ē How to pronounce experimental (audio)
 also  -ˌspir-
adverb

Examples of experimental in a Sentence

The fuel is being used on an experimental basis. an experimental procedure for patients suffering from leukemia
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Annecy team has been incredibly supportive of this experimental journey. Jamie Lang, Variety, 8 June 2025 In one of the first experimental studies on Chrysopelea gliding, researchers observed a golden flying snake launch from a 135-foot (41-meter) tower, execute a 180-degree turn, and land back on the same structure. Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 7 June 2025 Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis: an experimental study National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Sara Novak, Discover Magazine, 7 June 2025 New details of the Trump administration's plans for NASA, released Friday, May 30, revealed the White House's desire to end the development of an experimental nuclear thermal rocket engine that could have shown a new way of exploring the Solar System, Ars reports. Stephen Clark – Jun 6, ArsTechnica, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for experimental

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Medieval Latin experīmentālis, from Latin experīmentum "testing, experience, proof" + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at experiment entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of experimental was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Experimental.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/experimental. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

experimental

adjective
ex·​per·​i·​men·​tal ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈment-ᵊl How to pronounce experimental (audio)
1
a
: of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment
experimental evidence
b
: subjected to the condition that is different from normal for a factor being tested in an experiment
the experimental group
2
: relating to or having the characteristics of experiment : tentative sense 1
still in the experimental stage
experimentally adverb

Medical Definition

experimental

adjective
ex·​per·​i·​men·​tal ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈment-ᵊl also -ˌspir- How to pronounce experimental (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or based on experience or experiment
2
: founded on or derived from experiment
the heart of the experimental method is the direct control of the thing studiedB. F. Skinner
3
of a disease : intentionally produced especially in laboratory animals for the purpose of study
experimental diabetes
experimentally adverb

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