test-drive

American

[test-drahyv] / ˈtɛstˌdraɪv /

verb (used with object)

test-drove, test-driven, test-driving

to drive (a vehicle) on the highway or a special track or route in order to evaluate performance and reliability.

test-drive British

verb

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.

But despite offering a potential buyer the opportunity to test-drive the dwelling as a tenant, it appeared nobody took that bait as he later lowered both the rental and buying asking price.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 13, 2026

“Before buying, talk to folks about theirs and test-drive different models,” he writes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

Proton VPN is perfect for privacy purists and anyone who wants to test-drive a VPN without dropping cash.

From Salon • Feb. 11, 2026

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

From BBC • May 13, 2025

“I wanted to test-drive our new ‘browse’ function.”

From "Mr. Lemoncello's Library Olympics" by Chris Grabenstein

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023