trial

noun

UK /ˈtraɪəl/

Word Forms

singular	trial
plural	trials

1
countable/uncountable legalthe process of examining a case in a court of law and deciding whether someone is guilty or innocent. When a case comes to trial, it is brought to a court and the person who has been accused of a crime stands trial (=appears in court)
on trial (for something):
They’re on trial for armed robbery.
await trial (on something):
He remains in prison awaiting trial on major fraud charges.
go on trial (for something):
Both men will now go on trial for drugs and firearms offences.
face trial (on/for something):
He is facing trial on numerous terrorism charges.
put someone on trial (for something):
It is not certain whether she will be put on trial for burglary.
go to trial (=be tried in court):
If there is sufficient evidence to prosecute then the case will definitely go to trial.
Synonyms and related words
Court cases and legal processes
action
admit
advocacy
2
countable/uncountable the process of testing a product, plan, or person over a period of time
The drug is now undergoing clinical trials.
a trial period:
The system will operate for a six-month trial period.
a trial basis:
We’ve installed the new system on a trial basis.
a trial separation (=when a married couple decide to live apart for a short time):
She wanted a trial separation but he insisted on a divorce.
Synonyms and related words
General words for tests and testing
test
trial
experiment
3
countable a painful or difficult experience
She writes about the trials of life on the American frontier.
Synonyms and related words
Difficult situations and experiences
crisis
battle
nightmare
1. 3a
  singular someone who causes problems or is annoying
  The kids can be a bit of a trial at times.
  Synonyms and related words
  People who cause trouble or problems
  troublemaker
  nuisance
  trial
4
countable usually plurala sports competition during which people are tested and chosen for a later competition
The Olympic trials are to be held next week.
Synonyms and related words
Sports events and competitions
battle/war of nerves
bye
card

phrases

trial and error

trial by jury

trials and tribulations

trial

noun

US /ˈtraɪəl/

Word Forms

singular	trial
plural	trials

1
countable/uncountable legalthe process of examining a case in a court of law and deciding whether someone is guilty or innocent. When a case comes to trial, it is brought to a court and the person who has been accused of a crime stands trial (=appears in court)
a murder/rape/fraud trial
a civil/criminal trial
on trial (for something):
They’re on trial for armed robbery.
await trial (on something):
He remains in prison awaiting trial on major fraud charges.
go on trial (for something):
Both men will now go on trial for drugs and firearms offenses.
face trial (on/for something):
He is facing trial on numerous terrorism charges.
put someone on trial (for something):
It is not certain whether she will be put on trial for burglary.
go to trial (=be tried in court):
If there is sufficient evidence to prosecute then the case will definitely go to trial.
Synonyms and related words
Court cases and legal processes
action
advocacy
appeal
2
countable/uncountable the process of testing a product, plan, or person over a period of time
The drug is now undergoing clinical trials.
a trial period:
The system will operate for a six-month trial period.
a trial basis:
We’ve installed the new system on a trial basis.
a trial separation (=when a married couple decide to live apart for a short time):
She wanted a trial separation but he insisted on a divorce.
Synonyms and related words
General words for tests and testing
test
trial
experiment
3
countable a painful or difficult experience
She writes about the trials of life on the American frontier.
Synonyms and related words
Difficult situations and experiences
crisis
battle
nightmare
1. 3a
  singular someone who causes problems or is annoying
  The kids can be a real trial at times.
  Synonyms and related words
  People who cause trouble or problems
  troublemaker
  nuisance
  trial
4
countable usually plurala sports competition during which people are tested and chosen for a later competition
The Olympic trials are to be held next week.
Synonyms and related words
Sports events and competitions
battle/war of nerves
bye
card

phrases

trial and error

trial by fire

trial by jury

trials and tribulations

trial

verb transitive British

UK /ˈtraɪəl/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	trial
he/she/it	trials
present participle	trialling
past tense	trialled
past participle	trialled

1
to test something thoroughly to see if it works
Synonyms and related words
To test something or someone
test
try out
put through

trial

verb transitive British

US /ˈtraɪəl/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	trial
he/she/it	trials
present participle	trialling
past tense	trialled
past participle	trialled

1
to test something thoroughly to see if it works
Synonyms and related words
To test something or someone
test
try out
put through

trial ​‌‌‌

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trial

trial

trial

trial