scientific

adjective

sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
2
: conducted in the manner of science or according to results of investigation by science : practicing or using thorough or systematic methods
scientific advertising
scientific baby care
a scientific boxer
scientifically
ˌsī-ən-ˈti-fi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce scientific (audio)
adverb

Examples of scientific 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.
Rather than chasing polished luxury or fleeting travel trends, the inn leans into the village of Woods Hole’s creative, scientific, and maritime character. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 July 2026 The move shocked the global scientific community and landed him in jail for three years. — Simone McCarthy, CNN Money, 31 July 2026 She is dedicated to making complex scientific topics accessible to a wide audience. — Big Think, 31 July 2026 Rare disease drug development is in the midst of an extraordinary era of scientific innovation. — Kat Bryant Knudson, STAT, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for scientific

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French and Medieval Latin; Middle French sientifique, scientifique, borrowed from Medieval Latin scientificus "producing knowledge, relating to knowledge" (translating Greek epistēmonikós), from Latin scientia "knowledge, science" + -ficus -fic

Note: The Medieval Latin transition in sense from "producing knowledge" to "relating to knowledge" (in the text of a translation of Aristotle's Posterior Analytics) is described in detail in the Oxford English Dictionary, third edition.

First Known Use

1645, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scientific was in 1645

Phrases Containing scientific

Rhymes for scientific

See All Rhymes for scientific

Browse Nearby Words

scientia scientiarum
scientific
scientifical
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scientific.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scientific. Accessed 2 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or rules of science
scientifically
-ˈtif-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce scientific (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

scientific

adjective
sci·​en·​tif·​ic ˌsī-ən-ˈtif-ik How to pronounce scientific (audio)
: of, relating to, or exhibiting the methods or principles of science
scientifically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce scientific (audio)
adverb

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