clinical trial

noun

: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (such as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects

Examples of clinical trial in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are not yet significant clinical trials for these peptides, but some doctors, patients, wellness influencers, and Kennedy have voiced support for opening up the market for these drugs. — Alana Semuels, Time, 23 July 2026

Earlier this month, researchers began the first clinical trial of potential treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, enrolling patients at an Ebola treatment center in Ituri province. — ABC News, 23 July 2026

Your healthcare provider can help determine whether a clinical trial is a good option for you. — Julie Scott, Verywell Health, 23 July 2026

For example, say a clinical research organization analyst is trying to identify sites for a new clinical trial. — Shekhar Iyer, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for clinical trial

• sensorial
• denial
• mistrial
• posttrial
• pretrial
• retrial
• dial
• rial
• thiol
• vial

Medical Definition

clinical trial

noun

: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects