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test-drive

American  
[test-drahyv] / ˈtɛstˌdraɪv /

verb (used with object)

test-drove, test-driven, test-driving
  1. to drive (a vehicle) on the highway or a special track or route in order to evaluate performance and reliability.


test-drive British  

verb

  1. to drive (a car or other motor vehicle) for a limited period in order to assess its capabilities and limitations

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of test-drive

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Baker said Hasbro hasn’t licensed a game from a child, but many of its inventors test-drive creations on their own children.

From The Wall Street Journal

A test-drive around the city’s busy streets for The Wall Street Journal this summer was smooth and didn’t require the driver to intervene.

From The Wall Street Journal

The panel heard that he was giving a potential buyer a test-drive while he was signed off sick.

From BBC

On the downside, Tesla’s used models can only be purchased online and you can’t test-drive the one you want before purchase.

From Seattle Times

If you go to a used car dealership, you can test-drive the vehicle, but the dealership might not be familiar with Teslas and could inaccurately list its features.

From Seattle Times