test-drove ˈtes(t)-ˌdrōv How to pronounce test-drive (audio) ; test-driven ˈtes(t)-ˌdri-vən How to pronounce test-drive (audio) ; test-driving ˈtes(t)-ˌdrī-viŋ How to pronounce test-drive (audio)
Synonyms of test-drivenext

transitive verb

1
: to drive (a motor vehicle) in order to evaluate performance
2
: to use or examine (something, such as a computer program) in order to evaluate performance
test-drive the new game
test-drive noun

Examples of test-drive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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With Airbnb bungalows renting for several times normal rates, locals test-drive hosting the world — and glimpse what Olympic crowds could bring next. Jack Flemming, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 Unlike a traditional dealership that stockpiles vehicles for customers to test-drive before purchasing, at the Texas facility, Carvana has roughly 50 display cars on its playground, with twin vehicles for test-drives. Michael Wayland, CNBC, 17 June 2026 This week and next should be an ideal time to test-drive a talented underachiever with 30-homer potential. Andy Behrens, New York Times, 8 June 2026 After more than a year of Waymo test-driving around the city — eight autonomous vehicles, all with humans behind the wheel as backup — its two permits to test in New York lapsed near the end of March. Christopher Bonanos, Curbed, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for test-drive

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of test-drive was in 1950

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Cite this Entry

“Test-drive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/test-drive. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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