test-drove ˈtes(t)-ˌdrōv How to pronounce test-drive (audio) ; test-driven ˈtes(t)-ˌdri-vən How to pronounce test-drive (audio) ; test-driving ˈtes(t)-ˌdrī-viŋ How to pronounce test-drive (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to drive (a motor vehicle) in order to evaluate performance
2
: to use or examine (something, such as a computer program) in order to evaluate performance
test-drive the new game
test-drive noun

Examples of test-drive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Over four days, guests can partake in premium experiences, from tasting dishes created by renowned celebrity chefs to test-driving cars built by the best marques. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 28 Feb. 2024 Apple secured permits from California to begin test-driving Lexus sport utility vehicles outfitted with sensors and computers. Tripp Mickle, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2024 The fire-engine-red convertible that gave you goose bumps on the test-drive has turned into your regular ride. Jessica Dulong, CNN, 23 Feb. 2024 The 60-second commercial released on Monday (Feb. 5) features Hernandez retelling the riveting story about his unexpected, yet adventurous journey while test-driving the latest Nissan Pathfinder. Griselda Flores, Billboard, 6 Feb. 2024 The two test-drove the roles at a one-night Roundabout benefit concert in 2022. Michael Paulson, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2024 In anticipation of Maya’s launch, in September, Gomes and Eklund took her for a test-drive. Sheila Yasmin Marikar, The New Yorker, 27 Nov. 2023 There’s Pininfarina’s latest, the Battista, which automotive editor Viju Mathew got to take for a test-drive and which nearly blew his mind. Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 22 Oct. 2023 Last month Ferrari lofted its banners over a resort near the southern port of Cagliari and invited journalists to test-drive the new Ferrari Roma Spider, taking advantage of the excellent tarmac, ideal weather and complaisant authorities. Dan Neil, WSJ, 5 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'test-drive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of test-drive was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near test-drive

Cite this Entry

“Test-drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test-drive. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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