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

Over the past year, a few research teams from around the world have made policy recommendations for how such clinical trials might responsibly proceed. — Megan Molteni, STAT, 3 Nov. 2026

These finalists were chosen based on their novelty, consumer reviews, word-of-mouth feedback, and any applicable clinical trial results. — Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2026

Greater ownership, however, also means bearing more of the cost and risk of clinical trials, regulatory approvals and commercialization. — Elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 3 Nov. 2026

These are very rigorously conducted, successful clinical trials. — Manvir Singh, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 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