An experimentA planned activity to observe results or learn something new. is usually a test or trial done to see what happens. It can also mean trying something new, especiallyMore in one particular situation than in others; particularly. in science or in a creativeUsing imagination to make original ideas or things. way.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Pronunciation
AI-generated pronunciation audio (OpenAI).
Accent: General American English
IPA: /ɪkˈspɛrəmənt/
Easy pronunciation: ik-SPER-uh-ment (approximate spelling).
Stress: Primary stress on the second syllable.
Noun sense: a controlled test or investigation.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Experiment Meaning
a scientific or careful test to find out how something works
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
Example: The researchers ran an experiment to test the new drug.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- experimentation — The closest supplied synonym for the scientific testing sense.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Other Meanings of Experiment
Meaning 2
trying out an idea to see if it works
Part of speech: noun
Definition: the testing of an idea
Example: The project was an experiment in new ways of teaching.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- experimentation — Works here when the focus is on trying an idea or method, not just lab testing.
Meaning 3
an attempt at something new
Part of speech: noun
Definition: a venture at something new or different
Example: As an experiment, she cut her hair short.
Meaning 4
to try a new method, style, or activity
Part of speech: verb
Definition: try something new, as in order to gain experience
Example: The band experimented with electronic sounds.
Synonyms for this meaning:
- try out — A practical substitute for this verb sense.
Meaning 5
to do a scientific or careful test
Part of speech: verb
Definition: to conduct a test or investigation
Example: Scientists are experimenting with a new treatment.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Experiment Synonyms
Similar Meaning
- experimentation
trying something new; exploring a different method or style
- try out
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: uncertain — manual review needed. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Common Mistakes
- People sometimes mix up experiment as a noun with experiment as a verb.
- Not every experiment is a laboratory test; it can also mean trying a new idea or approach.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does experiment mean?
Experiment usually means a test or trial to find out what happens. It can also mean trying something new or different.
What is a synonym for experiment?
A close synonym is experimentation. For the verb sense, try out can work in many contexts.
Is experiment a noun or a verb?
It can be both. As a noun, it means a test or trial. As a verb, it means to try something new or to carry out a test.
Reviewed with OpenAI Decisions. Assessment: accurate. Checked: 2026-11-03. AI assessment; not a guarantee of accuracy.
