proving ground

American  

noun

1. any place, context, or area for testing something, as a piece of scientific equipment, a theory, etc.

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proving ground British  

noun

1. a place or situation in which something new, such as equipment or a theory, can be tested

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Etymology

Origin of proving ground

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

proving ground

"We're building a proving ground for Moon Base operations," said Ryan Stephan, NASA's Moon Base acting director of cargo landers.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 14, 2026

The race will be a proving ground for 2028.

From Salon ● Jun. 26, 2026

Israel is the latest in a long line of actors to make their way through the theatre, which has become something of a proving ground for talent in the west African country.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

Tinie Tempah agrees such shows are a crucial proving ground.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

King Ogunwe hurried forward, as did the other commanders and the engineers, who had thrown open the doors and let the light flood out over the proving ground.

From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman