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

Tell It to Carly Simon Muse, which have dates in Europe through July, test-drove the song live at a tour warmup gig at Helsinki’s House of Culture last week. —Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 20 June 2025

Customers can test-drive and purchase one or more of 40 in-stock vehicles or place orders for custom builds that will be delivered to their doorsteps. —Ron Hurtibise, Sun Sentinel, 19 June 2025

Normalize Course Correction – Take retirement for a test-drive. —Joseph Coughlin, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025

Encourage an environment where employees are free to brainstorm, collaborate, and test-drive ideas—all while using agents to facilitate the process. —Aytekin Tank, Forbes.com, 5 June 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