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

Hilary Swank brought her dad to test-drive classic American muscle cars but left without buying one. —Brett Berk, HollywoodReporter, 23 Nov. 2025

No, Campbell isn’t the only A-lister to test-drive the shoes this season. —Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 22 Nov. 2025

First on our list is Chloé’s luxe leather trench coat, a true street-style staple, or test-drive a few other trends of the season: a pop of burgundy, courtesy of knit dress from Maria McManus, or plaid prints, done the Proenza Schouler way. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 21 Nov. 2025

In my experience test-driving GM’s new EVs, the company’s replacement software is indeed impressive. —Patrick George, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 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