experiments

word · lemma: experiment

/ɪkˈspɛɹəmənts/
ik-SPAIR-uh-muhnts
/ɛkspˈɛɹɪmənts/
ik-SPAIR-uh-muhnts

Definition

Tests or scientific procedures that are done to discover something, check an idea, or see what happens under certain conditions. The word is most often used in science, but it can also refer more generally to trying new methods or actions.

Usage & Nuances

Usually a countable plural noun in science: 'do experiments', 'conduct experiments', 'lab experiments'. In everyday English, 'experiment' can also be a verb ('They are experimenting'). Don't confuse it with 'experience', which means knowledge or events in your life.

Example Sentences

The students did simple experiments in class.

basic

These experiments take a long time.

basic

The lab is known for bold experiments that challenge old ideas.

natural

The book explains the experiments step by step.

basic

Some of their early experiments failed, but they learned a lot.

natural

We ran a few experiments before choosing the best design.

natural