trial run

American  

noun

1. a preliminary performance or test of something, as of the operation of a ship or the effectiveness of a play.

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trial run British  

noun

1. a test drive in a vehicle to assess its performance

2. a test or rehearsal of something new or untried to assess its effectiveness

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Etymology

Origin of trial run

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

One Palestinian official familiar with the arrangements for the trial run told the BBC around 30 Palestinian staff members had arrived at the Egyptian side of the crossing, ahead of the operational phase.

From BBC

As it turned out, that game on 14 January provided Trubin with a trial run for his Champions League heroics.

From BBC

The trial runs helped, but she said she is a worse trader when handling real money because more emotions take hold.

From The Wall Street Journal

Perched on a bluff above the Mississippi River at the University of Minnesota, the museum was a trial run for Bilbao and Disney, without the help of advanced digital tools.

From Los Angeles Times

On August 12, 1863, after having completed trial runs in Mobile Bay, the Hunley was transported by rail to Charleston, South Carolina.

From Literature