scientific method

noun

: principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

Examples of scientific method in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Trying this out is part of coffee testing's scientific method, but the insistence on 175 degrees also read like marketing hokum. Joe Ray, WIRED, 17 Dec. 2019 The medical examiner also reported that there was no scientific method to determine how long the babies — who were described as full term — had been frozen, according to the release. Nicole Acosta, Peoplemag, 3 May 2024 Similarly, applying scientific methods can enhance the precision and efficiency of the manufacturing process. Dr. Malcolm Adams, Forbes, 3 Sep. 2024 On the Vault Guy, his YouTube channel, Rome mixes jokes and cartoonish animations with serious discussions of scientific methods, funding, and publishing. Byjohn Travis, science.org, 6 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for scientific method 

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scientific method was in 1672

Dictionary Entries Near scientific method

Cite this Entry

“Scientific method.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific%20method. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scientific method

noun
: the rules and procedures for the pursuit of knowledge involving the finding and stating of a problem, the collection of facts through observation and experiment, and the making and testing of ideas that need to be proven right or wrong

Medical Definition

scientific method

noun
: principles and procedures for the systematic pursuit of knowledge involving the recognition and formulation of a problem, the collection of data through observation and experiment, and the formulation and testing of hypotheses

More from Merriam-Webster on scientific method

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!