Skip to main content
trial run

trial run

13 3.2
A short test to see if something works well before real use
  • noun
translation icon : prueba
  • This was a trial run, and Carlo has been asked to buy the next coordinates tomorrow night in Portofino.

Make sure you have a trial run of them putting the whole uniform on.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • After that first trial run, the next week brought around 120 students and teachers from Tulsa, Oklahoma.

    Academic text (1993)
  • Jackson said this would serve as a trial run to see if it works.

    Blog text (23)
  • And basically it's like a trial run for fans, taking more fans and that kind of stuff.

  • It's a trial run of her opening.

  • Sounds like a perfect opportunity to give your boys a trial run.

  • Finally, when we thought she was ready for a trial run, we accepted a part in an Italian film.

  • Give products a trial run prior to kicking off any marketing initiatives.

    Blog text (21)
  • I did a trial run recently with a sixth-grade class, and they did get into it.

    Blog text (24)
  • The trip to the desert, a trial run for Aero-Tours, is Rickey's idea, and going with him, I have a free ride.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • We organized a trial run to see if the new software would meet our needs.

Synonyms

test
vstrial run
1.0

An activity to check how well something works

is a single pre-use occasion before real use rather than a broad evaluation
testing
vstrial run
504 2.5

A process of checking how well something works or how safe it is

is an occasion to try something before real use rather than the whole process
trial
vstrial run
291 3.4

A test to see how well something works

is a specific pre-use occasion rather than a broad testing process
pilot program
vstrial run
  • US
21 3.6

A small test project that tries a new idea before using it everywhere

tests a single occasion before full use rather than a small-scale program
dry run
vstrial run
8 4.1

A practice session before an event to check for problems

checks if something works before being used rather than just rehearsal
field test
vstrial run
5 3.6

A check of a new product outside a lab to see how it works

checks in a controlled pre-use occasion rather than specifically under real conditions
trial period
vstrial run
4 3.4

A fixed time when a person or thing is tested to see if they are suitable

is a single occasion to try function rather than a set testing timeframe
beta test
vstrial run
  • Specialized
3 4.2

A trial of a new app or program by outside users before its release

checks if something works before public release rather than general testing
pretest
vstrial run
2 3.5

A test done before the main event to find problems and see what people know

verifies overall functioning before real use rather than only early checks
test period
vstrial run
1 2.7

A short time when a person or thing is checked to see if they are suitable

is a one-off occasion before real use rather than an extended evaluation time
dummy run
vstrial run
1 5.5

A practice test to find and fix problems before the real event

tests whether something works well rather than focusing on fixing errors
playthrough
vstrial run
1 5.0

A complete run of a plan, test or game to check how it works

tests readiness before real use rather than only checking full flow
alpha test
vstrial run
  • Specialized
1 5.3

An early trial of new software run by the developers to find major bugs

is a pre-use occasion aimed at readiness rather than developer-only bug finding
field trial
vstrial run
1 3.9

A test of a new product or system in real use to see how well it works

is a pre-use occasion that need not occur in actual use settings

Antonyms

149 3.8

To put a plan or decision into action

How Thorough

full-scale
49 4.1
field test
5 3.6
trial run
13 3.2
pilot experiment
  • Specialized
4.6
check
720 1.0

Surface Forms

trial run singular
trial runs plural

Morphology

trial + run

The meaning 'an occasion when something is tested' is directly derivable from combining 'trial' (a test) with 'run' (an instance of operating or executing something), forming a straightforward compositional noun phrase. This follows common English compounding patterns and has clear equivalents in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The phrase trial run may come from the simple picture of doing a practice run or a small trial to check something. People would run a machine or rehearse a show as a test, so trial run means a short test before the real event.