science
SEYE-uhns
Science (noun) means the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment. Example: “Science has transformed the way we understand the universe.”
noun
1
The systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment.
"Science has transformed the way we understand the universe."
"She teaches science at the local high school."
"Science helps us understand why the sky looks blue during the day."
2
A specific branch of such study, like biology, chemistry, or physics.
"Astronomy is one of the oldest sciences."
"Geology is a science that studies rocks and the history of the Earth."
"Which science do you enjoy most, chemistry or biology?"
3
Skill or expertise gained through careful study and practice.
"There's a real science to brewing the perfect cup of coffee."
"Making good pastry is a science that takes years of practice."
"He has turned parking in tiny spaces into a real science."
How to use science
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSystematic knowledge about the world gained through observation and testing, or a specific field of that knowledge.
Common pairings
scientific method
science and technology
natural science
social science
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Word forms
- Plural
- sciences
- Third person singular
- sciences
- Past tense
- scienced
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_____ has transformed the way we understand the universe.
Etymology
From Old French science, from Latin scientia, "knowledge," from scire, "to know."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for science
See all rhymes for science →Frequently asked questions
What does “science” mean?
The word “science” means the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment. In plain terms, systematic knowledge about the world gained through observation and testing, or a specific field of that knowledge.
How do you pronounce “science”?
“Science” is pronounced SEYE-uhns (/ˈsaɪ.əns/ in IPA).
How do you use “science” in a sentence?
Here is “science” used in a sentence: “Science has transformed the way we understand the universe.”
What is another word for “science”?
Words with a similar meaning to “science” include sci and sci..
What part of speech is “science”?
“Science” is a noun.
Where does the word “science” come from?
The word “science” comes from Latin. From Old French science, from Latin scientia, "knowledge," from scire, "to know.".
Is “science” a common word?
“Science” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “science” have?
“Science” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment.
What are the main branches of science?
Science is usually divided into three broad areas. The natural sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and biology, study the physical world. The social sciences, including psychology and economics, study people and societies. The formal sciences, like mathematics and logic, deal with abstract systems. Many modern fields blend several of these together.
What is the difference between science and technology?
Science is the systematic study of the natural world — the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through observation and experiment. Technology is the practical application of that knowledge to build tools, machines, and solutions. In short, science asks how and why things work, while technology uses those answers to make things people can use.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method is the step-by-step process at the heart of science. Researchers observe something, form a hypothesis to explain it, then test that idea through controlled experiments. If the evidence supports the hypothesis, it stands; if not, it is revised. Repeating and checking results keeps scientific knowledge reliable and self-correcting.
Why is science important?
Science matters because it gives us reliable knowledge about how the world works, replacing guesswork with tested evidence. It drives medicine, technology, and our understanding of nature, helping societies solve problems from disease to climate. Just as importantly, it teaches a way of thinking — questioning claims and checking them against real observation.
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