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• test run
  test run

  noun

  an act of trying out a process, piece of equipment, program, etc., to see if it works properly.
• test-run
  test-run

  verb (used with object)

  to try out (a process, pieces of equipment, etc.) to see if it works; do a test run on.

test run

¹ American  

[test ruhn] / ˈtɛst ˌrʌn /

noun

plural

test runs

1. an act of trying out a process, piece of equipment, program, etc., to see if it works properly.

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test-run ² American  

[test ruhn] / ˈtɛst ˌrʌn /

verb (used with object)

test-ran, test-running

1. to try out (a process, pieces of equipment, etc.) to see if it works; do a test run on.

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verb (used without object)

test-ran, test-running

1. to undergo a test run or perform in a specified way in a test run.

Other Word Forms

• test-runner noun

Example Sentences

It took years of tinkering in the minors and a test run during the exhibition slate last season before league officials settled on an answer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

Though the sirens have not yet been fully brought online, their effectiveness was illustrated during a recent test run.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2026

Your early 60s is a test run for retirement, U.S.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 11, 2025

Instead, it’s a test run for everything that will happen next year.

From Slate • Dec. 2, 2025

If it works for someone as friendly as him, I might as well give it a test run.

From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle

Related Words

• effort
• examination
• experiment
• investigation
• probation
• struggle
• testing