trial run

noun

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

trial run

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of trial run¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

Just a week earlier, in trial runs, perfumes were piped into the air so people could get a whiff of the Emerald City.

From Los Angeles Times

Randazzo and Gubicza do too, which frankly is a stroke of luck on the Angels’ part, since the two men said the team did not have them do a trial run together before hiring Randazzo.

From Los Angeles Times

What started as a one-year trial run has turned into a hall of fame legacy for Scott Pickler, who is now in his 26th season as manager of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

From Los Angeles Times

When Margaret spoke with Salon in April, she was in the middle of a monthlong trial run working remotely to get a feel for her workflow for when she and Dale eventually move.

From Salon

"It's not like this is a trial run. You've had enough time and it's failed."

From BBC