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

The full results of the clinical trial have yet to be released, but the preliminary findings are exciting. — Tom Price, Washington Post, 21 Aug. 2026

Shares of Merck have jumped 45% year to date as clinical trials for its investigational and experimental drugs continue to produce positive results. — Liz Napolitano, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Medicare and Medicaid have similar requirements for coverage of routine clinical trial costs. — Michelle Andrews, Miami Herald, 20 Aug. 2026

Bacteria engineered to sense and reduce glucose levels could be the future of type 2 diabetes treatments, following pre-clinical trials on animal models. — Mike McRae 19, New Atlas, 20 Aug. 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