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
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While the pills aren’t expected to bring more weight loss than weekly shots, based on separate clinical trials, some health experts say expanding the range of treatments could still be a major win for patients. Annika Kim Constantino, CNBC, 10 Jan. 2026 In one late-stage clinical trial published in March 2025, scientists evaluated outcomes in nearly 400 individuals with a history of motion sickness who were randomly given tradipitant or a placebo (dummy pill) before embarking on boat trips under variable sea conditions. Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 8 Jan. 2026 University of Oxford researchers assessed a range of clinical trials as well as Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Cochrane and Web of Science databases, with a focus on what happened after cessation of treatment regarding adults who were overweight or obese. New Atlas, 7 Jan. 2026 Ask your provider about newer treatment options or clinical trials. Brandi Jones, Health, 7 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clinical trial

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clinical trial was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Clinical trial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinical%20trial. Accessed 11 Jan. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on clinical trial

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