test pattern

American  

noun

Television.

1. a geometric design broadcast to receivers for testing the quality of transmission, often identifying the transmitting station and channel.

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Etymology

Origin of test pattern

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

During the evening, Mr. Morrisett told the guests that his daughter Sarah was so mesmerized by TV that she would watch the test pattern on weekend mornings until cartoons began.

From New York Times • Jan. 26, 2023

The legacy versions of emergency alerts broadcast on over-the-air television with a test pattern screen and a loud alert noise followed by spoken instructions.

From The Verge • Dec. 15, 2021

Thomas’ show has eight austere wall pieces featuring flat fields of color, often laid out like a TV color bar test pattern.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2020

If you want to do better than that, you’ll need to use a test pattern.

From Slate • Sep. 1, 2018

I stared through the windshield as if I was watching the test pattern that came on television at midnight.

From "The Secret Life of Bees" by Sue Monk Kidd