EnglishMain Dictionary
trial
Universal Words
noun, verb
noun
law
1 [U,C] a formal examination of evidence in a court of law by a judge and often a JURY, to decide if sb accused of a crime is guilty or not:
a murder trial * He's on trial for murder. * She will stand trial / go on trial for fraud. * The men were arrested but not brought to trial. * The case never came to trial. * She is awaiting trial on corruption charges. * He did not receive a fair trial. * She was detained without trial. * Parker was committed for trial yesterday at Southwark Crown Court.
test
2 [C,U] the process of testing the ability, quality or performance of sb/sth, especially before you make a final decision about them:
The new drug is undergoing clinical trials. * She agreed to employ me for a trial period. * The system was introduced on a trial basis for one month. * a trial separation (= of a couple whose marriage is in difficulties) * We had the machine on trial for a week. * a trial of strength (= a contest to see who is stronger)
in sport
3 [C,usually pl.] (BrE) (AmE try-out) a competition or series of tests to find the best players for a sports team or an important event:
Olympic trials
for animals
4 [C,usually pl.] an event at which animals compete or perform:
sheepdog / horse trials
difficult experience
5 [C] ~ (to sb) an experience or a person that causes difficulties for sb:
the trials and tribulations of married life * She was a sore trial to her family at times.
IDIOMS
trial and error the process of solving a problem by trying various methods until you find a method that is successful:
Children learn to use computer programs by trial and error.
verb (-ll-) [VN, V] (BrE) to test the ability, quality or performance of sth to see if it will be effective or successful
