experimental

adjective

ex·​per·​i·​men·​tal ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈmen-tᵊl 

 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 

 also  -ˌspir-

adverb

Synonyms

• developmental
• pilot
• trial

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

In 2014, alternative-pop singer Banks made her debut with the emotive and experimental Goddess. —Lyndsey Havens, Billboard, 20 Nov. 2024

Now, the Art Gallery of New South Wales in Australia is kicking off an exhibition dedicated to the 20th-century painter’s diverse and experimental career. —Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Nov. 2024

Flickering fire and dancing shadows in a dark cave. Describe your sound/aesthetic in three words… Space, experimental, melodies Tell us about your artist/band name… The band name was created in reflection of unity, togetherness, and becoming a genuine family. —Amanda Peukert, SPIN, 1 Nov. 2024

The forthcoming film out on November 22 has inspired eloquent and experimental looks, her latest falls under the umbrella of quirky, a look by Erdem. —Robyn Mowatt, Essence, 1 Nov. 2024

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

Phrases Containing experimental

• pre-experimental

Kids Definition

experimental

adjective

ex·​per·​i·​men·​tal ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈment-ᵊl 

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

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb

Medical Definition

experimental

adjective

ex·​per·​i·​men·​tal ik-ˌsper-ə-ˈment-ᵊl also -ˌspir- 

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 studied

—B. F. Skinner

3

of a disease : intentionally produced especially in laboratory animals for the purpose of study

experimental diabetes

experimentally

-ᵊl-ē 

adverb