Definition of trial
(Entry 1 of 3)
1
: the formal examination before a competent tribunal of the matter in issue in a civil or criminal cause in order to determine such issue
2a
: the action or process of trying or putting to the proof : test
b
: a preliminary contest (as in a sport)
3a
: a tryout or experiment to test quality, value, or usefulness — compare clinical trial
b
: one of a number of repetitions of an experiment
4
: a test of faith, patience, or stamina through subjection to suffering or temptation
broadly
: a source of vexation or annoyance
5
: attempt
trial
adjectiveDefinition of trial (Entry 2 of 3)
1
: of, relating to, or used in a trial
2
: made or done as a test or experiment
3
: used or tried out in a test or experiment
trial
verb
trialed or trialled; trialing or trialling; trials
Definition of trial (Entry 3 of 3)
: to test the functioning, value, or usefulness of (something)
In 2014, Germany trialed a copyright law granting publishers licensing fees for quoted content.— Kim Willsher So a raft of demonstration projects around the world have trialled "smart grids" that deal with electricity flowing in two directions—accommodating individuals selling power back to the utility company operation …— Caroline Williams
Test Your Vocabulary
Eponyms: Words Named After People
-
- What is the best definition of boycott?

Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share trial
Time Traveler for trial
The first known use of trial was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century