test-drive

verb

ˈtes(t)-ˌdrīv 

test-drove ˈtes(t)-ˌdrōv  ; test-driven ˈtes(t)-ˌdri-vən  ; test-driving ˈtes(t)-ˌdrī-viŋ 

transitive verb

1

: to drive (a motor vehicle) in order to evaluate performance

2

: to use or examine (something, such as a computer program) in order to evaluate performance

test-drive the new game

test-drive noun

Examples of test-drive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On the surface, Disco is a 2000s festivalcore period piece that test-drives the sounds of bands Styles was once too committed to folk and pop to pursue. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026

In February, Waymo began test-driving the all-electric Zeekr RT minivans. —Noelle Harff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2026

This situation can be a win-win for employers, too, by test-driving you for a role. —Vicki Salemi, Boston Herald, 11 Jan. 2026

Kansas Jayhawks sophomore forward Flory Bidunga pedaled a Cruiser Bicycle through the aisles of Walmart, test-driving the two-wheeler prior to purchasing it as a Christmas gift for a child on his Salvation Army wish list Wednesday at the south Iowa Street store. —Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 11 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for test-drive

• alive
• archive
• arrive
• beehive
• connive
• contrive
• deprive
• derive
• revive
• survive
• dive
• drive