experimentation

[ ik-sper-uh-men-tey-shuhn, -muhn- ]

noun

1. the act, process, practice, or an instance of making experiments.

experimentation

/ ɪkˌspɛrɪmɛnˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act, process, or practice of experimenting

Other Words From

• ex·per·i·men·ta·tive [ik-sper-, uh, -, men, -t, uh, -tiv], adjective
• proex·peri·men·tation adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of experimentation¹

First recorded in 1665–75; experiment + -ation

Example Sentences

I think this policy is exactly the kind of experimentation that a community like ours should be engaging in to change the housing dynamics in this wealthy county, and I want a county board that remains committed to the revolutionary idea that six-bedroom, $2.5 million McMansions are not the only kinds of houses that should be built here.

From Slate

No matter how effective doctors and patients say microdosing weight-loss drugs are, this form of medical experimentation may be short-lived.

From Los Angeles Times

A close listen to R.E.M.’s ’90s albums reveals a band committed to experimentation.

From Los Angeles Times

Although Lesh never lost his appetite for experimentation, he also honed his skills as a songwriter as the group re-embraced its folk roots on its pivotal early-1970s albums, “Workingman’s Dead” and “American Beauty.”

From Los Angeles Times

“A Ballet Through Mud” stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of collaboration and experimentation,” says choreographer Yusha-Marie Sorzano, who also choreographed the Colorado show.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• experiment
• testing
• trial and error