What does martian mean?
Martian has two closely related uses: as a noun, it denotes an inhabitant of Mars, most often a hypothetical or fictional one; as an adjective, it means relating to Mars, its inhabitants, or its physical conditions. The adjective appears regularly in phrases concerning the Martian atmosphere, surface, climate, and exploration, while the noun is especially common in science fiction, where Martians may be explorers, invaders, colonists, or intelligent native inhabitants. Although the word can occasionally suggest eccentric or alien behavior in humorous usage, it is otherwise neutral and is not limited to one region. Martian became culturally prominent during the period when telescopic observers reported apparent canals on the red planet. It later retained its associations when real spacecraft found no artificial canals but did uncover evidence of ancient flowing water. Consequently, martian remains a useful word for describing both genuine scientific research and imaginative stories set on Mars.
An inhabitant of Mars, especially a hypothetical or fictional inhabitant.
"The novel imagines a Martian who has spent centuries observing Earth's cities."
Usually used in science fiction or when discussing hypothetical inhabitants of Mars.
Relating to Mars or to its inhabitants, geography, or conditions.
"Researchers analyzed the Martian atmosphere for traces of water vapor."
Common in astronomy, planetary science, and science fiction.
The regular plural of the noun is martians; it is often capitalized when referring to inhabitants of Mars collectively or to named fictional Martians.
"Scientists continue to speculate about whether martians could ever have evolved on the planet."
Martian rose to prominence in the late nineteenth century, when astronomers debated the supposed canals of Mars and imagination transformed the red planet into a world populated by alien life.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does martian come from?
Martian was formed in English in the nineteenth century from Mars plus the suffix -ian, which creates adjectives meaning “relating to” and nouns meaning “an inhabitant of.” Its planetary sense derives from Mars, the Roman god of war, whose name was also used for the planet. Related English words include martial, from Latin martialis, and March, from Latin Martius, both of which trace back to the same Roman deity.
Related word forms
How martian is actually used
The word is neutral in tone and is common in astronomy, science fiction, and informal discussion about Mars. Capitalization is common when it refers to an inhabitant of Mars as a proper name, but dictionaries also commonly use the lowercase form.
Easily confused with martian
Martial means relating to war, combat, or military affairs, whereas martian means relating to Mars or its inhabitants.