test-drive

verb

ˈtes(t)-ˌdrīv How to pronounce test-drive (audio)
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.
Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen became the first astronauts to travel to the moon in more than half a century, coming within 4,067 miles while test-driving NASA’s new Orion capsule. — Marcia Dunn, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026 Robb Report is here to test-drive the new Bentley Supersports at Laguna Seca, but not before sampling the passenger experience in this, the automaker’s zero-emissions milestone. — Viju Mathew, Robb Report, 27 Aug. 2026 For the office Work is the perfect place to test-drive the shoe trend for high summer, since, thankfully, the silhouette won’t break any office dress codes. — India Roby, Glamour, 21 July 2026 To truly test-drive a vehicle, trek 2,000 miles with a pack of four beagles in the back. — Summer Ballentine, USA Today, 7 July 2026 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

Rhymes for test-drive

See All Rhymes for test-drive

Browse Nearby Words

testcross
test-drive
tested
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Cite this Entry

“Test-drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test-drive. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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