Definition of "experience" in English

noun

1. The effect upon the judgment or feelings produced by any event, whether witnessed or participated in; personal and direct impressions as contrasted with description or fancies; personal acquaintance; actual enjoyment or suffering.

   • It was an experience he would not soon forget.
   • March 20, 1684-5, John Sharp, Sermon preached at Whitehall Those that undertook the religion of our Savior upon his preaching, had no experience of it.

2. (countable) An activity one has performed.

3. (usually uncountable) A collection of events and/or activities from which an individual or group may gather knowledge, opinions, and skills.

   • Virtually all employers now require jobseekers to have work experience even for entry-level roles. Many believe this will hurt companies in the long run.

4. (uncountable) The knowledge thus gathered.

5. (roleplaying games) Synonym of experience points

6. (obsolete, uncountable) Trial; a test or experiment.

verb

1. (transitive) To observe certain events; undergo a certain feeling or process; or perform certain actions that may alter one or contribute to one's knowledge, opinions, or skills.