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

But engaging scientific methods and instruments turns out to be neither trivial nor cheap, Cifone said. — Leonard David, Space.com, 23 Dec. 2025

The company’s approach is based on the sterile insect technique, a scientific method that has been used for decades to control agricultural pests and disease-carrying insects. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 2 June 2026

That is based on the most scientific method possible of predicting what will happen in a game of football — but the games that will determine the relegation fight over the next 23 days are not normal ones. — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 1 May 2026

This approach is important because conspiracy theories and disinformation often claim to falsify mainstream theories, or at least exploit a poor understanding of what certainty means in scientific methods. — Calum Lister Matheson, The Conversation, 14 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined above

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