trial run

noun

: a testing exercise : experiment

Examples of trial run in a Sentence

They will put the software through many trial runs before putting it on the market. We will have to give the machine a trial run.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Shaw remains several years and many promotions away from Rogers Centre, but this bump to Vancouver, Shaw said, is a hopeful trial run. Mitch Bannon, New York Times, 27 July 2025 Following a trial run, planning began and the first race was held Sept. 6-7, 1947, the marathon's website says. Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 25 July 2025 There is also the possibility that this was a trial run, a test to see whether the submersible FPV could hit a bridge target in actual combat conditions. David Hambling, Forbes.com, 4 July 2025 Under a trial run, DirecTV is currently experimenting in certain locations with only allowing new subscribers to sign on to its streaming service. Michael Schneider, Variety, 25 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for trial run

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trial run was in 1903

Cite this Entry

“Trial run.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trial%20run. Accessed 28 Aug. 2025.

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