test-drove ˈtes(t)-ˌdrōv How to pronounce test-drive (audio) ; test-driven ˈtes(t)-ˌdri-vən How to pronounce test-drive (audio) ; test-driving ˈtes(t)-ˌdrī-viŋ How to pronounce test-drive (audio)
Synonyms of test-drivenext

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 President Joe Biden has also shown admiration for the truck, test-driving an all-electric F-150 Lightning in 2021. Jamie L. Lareau, Freep.com, 3 Dec. 2025 The holidays are not the time to test-drive an unproven recipe. Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 25 Nov. 2025 Hilary Swank brought her dad to test-drive classic American muscle cars but left without buying one. Brett Berk, HollywoodReporter, 23 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for test-drive

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of test-drive was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Test-drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test-drive. Accessed 17 Dec. 2025.

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