What does experimental mean?
Experimental is an adjective describing something based on, involving, or arising from experiment — the process of testing an idea through trial and observation rather than relying on theory or precedent. In science, it distinguishes what is actually tested from what is merely hypothesised, as in an experimental group compared against a control group. Beyond the laboratory, the word carries a broader sense of being new, untried, and exploratory: an experimental film, an experimental drug, or an experimental policy all share a willingness to depart from convention without any guarantee of success. This lends the word a double character — it suggests innovation and open-mindedness, but also provisional status and uncertainty, since an experimental result or method may not hold up. Derived ultimately from the Latin experiri, 'to try or test', it belongs to the same family as experience and expert, and remains essential vocabulary wherever knowledge is being actively made rather than passively received.
Relating to, based on, or serving as an experiment; involving test or trial rather than established practice.
"The laboratory published its experimental findings in a peer-reviewed journal."
In scientific contexts it frequently contrasts with 'theoretical' or with control conditions.
New, untried, or innovative in nature, especially of art, music, methods, or treatments.
"Her experimental approach to sculpture drew both praise and bewilderment from critics."
Every vaccine, airplane, and smartphone began life as 'experimental' — the adjective that marks the risky, exciting moment before an idea becomes ordinary.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of experimental
Experimental derives from experiment, which comes from Latin experimentum, 'a trial or test', itself rooted in the verb experiri, 'to try, test, or put to the proof'. The same Latin root gave English experience, expert, and empirically related terms such as empirical, making them true cognates. The adjective entered English in the early modern period, around the 16th century, alongside the flowering of scientific inquiry, and its use expanded in later centuries to describe innovative work in the arts.
Related word forms
How experimental is actually used
'Experimental' is neutral to positive in most contexts, but describing a medical treatment as 'experimental' can carry a cautionary connotation of uncertainty or risk. In scientific writing it often contrasts specifically with 'theoretical' or 'control' (e.g., the experimental group versus the control group). It also functions occasionally as a noun in informal contexts for an experimental piece of work, though this is uncommon.
Easily confused with experimental
Experiential means relating to or derived from experience (as in experiential learning), while experimental means relating to experiments or to something new and untried.