test bed

noun

: a vehicle (such as an airplane) used for testing new equipment (such as engines or weapons systems)

broadly : any device, facility, or means for testing something in development

Examples of test bed in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On its part, the EPB will provide a live network development test bed and help translate the R&D laboratory’s work into applications for the public and private sector in the region. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 4 Aug. 2026

This hopper vehicle, likely reminiscent of SpaceX’s Grasshopper test bed, is intended to undergo two tests beginning in 2028. — Eric Berger, ArsTechnica, 17 July 2026

Throughout its lifespan, the station has served as a test bed for scientific research in microgravity and has in years past opened itself up to private commercial missions. — Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 July 2026

Use Summer To Cross-Train Teams Use summer as a test bed for horizontal work. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for test bed

• abed
• ahead
• beachhead
• bedspread
• bedstead
• behead
• blackhead
• blockhead
• bloodshed
• bowhead
• breastfed
• bridgehead

Kids Definition

test bed

noun

: a vehicle (as an airplane) used for testing new equipment

also : any device, facility, or means for testing something in development