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Meaning & use

trial run

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˈtraɪəl rʌn/
US/ˈtraɪəl rʌn/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A first test of a new system, product or plan, done to find problems before it is used for real.

    Grammar: Countable: do a trial run, a trial run of the new software.

    Patterns

    • a trial run of something
    • give something a trial run

    We did a trial run of the new schedule before the busy season.

    The restaurant held a trial run for friends before opening.

    The airline ran a trial run of its new boarding system.

  2. nouncountable

    A short period of trying something out, such as a new job or arrangement, to see whether it suits you.

    Grammar: Usually with a: take a car for a trial run.

    Patterns

    • take something for a trial run
    • on a trial run

    I took the electric bike for a trial run around the park.

    They agreed to a trial run of working from home two days a week.

Word forms

pluraltrial runs

Common combinations

do a trial run
Let's do a trial run before the real presentation.
give something a trial run
The school gave the new timetable a trial run.
conduct a trial run
Engineers conducted a trial run of the bridge's lighting.
a successful trial run
After a successful trial run, the service launched nationwide.
take for a trial run
Can I take the car for a trial run?

Synonyms and how they differ

dry run
A dry run is a full rehearsal without the real consequences, while a trial run may involve real use.
pilot
A pilot is a small formal test project, usually in business or research, and sounds more official than trial run.
test drive
A test drive is only for vehicles, while trial run covers any system or product.
rehearsal
A rehearsal is practice for a performance or event, not testing a product or system.

Word family

trial noun
a test of something's quality or ability
trial adjective
done as a test, e.g. a trial period
run noun
a period of operation
trial and error noun
learning by trying and correcting mistakes

Commonly confused: trial run or trial?

trial run vs trial

A trial in court is a legal process to decide guilt, which is a different meaning from trial run.

Practice

Before the festival opens, we need a ___ to check the new ticket system.

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