physical science

noun

: any of the natural sciences (such as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

physical scientist noun

Examples of physical science in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Its Graduate Research Fellowship Program, in operation since 1952, is the longest-running federal investment in America’s STEM workforce, and the primary federal funder of graduate and postdoctoral training in the physical sciences, mathematics, computer science, engineering, and political science. —Gautam Mukunda, Twin Cities, 14 May 2026

The Thoreau who built literary castles in the air put the solid foundations of physical science beneath them. —Robert M. Thorson, The Conversation, 8 May 2026

Earlier empiricists like Locke and Francis Bacon believed that the physical sciences should still be grounded partly in metaphysical belief. —Christopher Beha, New Yorker, 14 Feb. 2026

For the two-week trip, Vast put a call out for research proposals and will focus on biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, human research and technology demonstrations. —Richard Tribou, The Orlando Sentinel, 13 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1705, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for physical science

• geoscience
• neuroscience
• noncompliance
• pseudoscience
• appliance
• compliance
• defiance
• reliance

Kids Definition

physical science

noun

: any of the natural sciences (as physics, geology, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

Medical Definition

physical science

noun

: any of the natural sciences (as physics, chemistry, and astronomy) that deal primarily with nonliving materials

physical scientist noun