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

Welcome to Just My Type, a monthly series where Glamour editors test-drive the latest and greatest in makeup, hair, and skincare. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 4 Sep. 2026

Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen became the first astronauts to travel to the moon in more than half a century, coming within 4,067 miles while test-driving NASA’s new Orion capsule. — Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026

Robb Report is here to test-drive the new Bentley Supersports at Laguna Seca, but not before sampling the passenger experience in this, the automaker’s zero-emissions milestone. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026

To truly test-drive a vehicle, trek 2,000 miles with a pack of four beagles in the back. — Summer Ballentine, USA Today, 7 July 2026

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
• khedive
• revive
• survive
• dive