trial
TREYE-uhl
Trial (noun) means a formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute. Example: “The witness gave evidence on the second day of the trial.”
noun
1
A formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute.
"The witness gave evidence on the second day of the trial."
"He was nervous before his trial, but his lawyer stayed calm."
"The trial lasted three weeks before the jury reached a verdict."
2
A test used to check how well something works or performs.
"The engineers carried out a trial of the new bridge sensors before opening it."
"The drug is currently in clinical trials."
"We offered customers a free trial of the new app."
3
A difficult or trying experience.
"Waiting months for news was a real trial for the whole family."
"The long journey was a trial, but the children coped well."
"Raising three kids alone was one of the great trials of her life."
adj
1
Done on an experimental or provisional basis, to test something out.
"She took the job on a trial basis for the first month."
"We have a trial period of two weeks before you sign the contract."
"They ran a trial version of the software with a small group of users."
How to use trial
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA test of something (a product, a person's ability, a claim), or a court case that decides guilt or liability.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
stand trial
clinical trial
trial period
free trial
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like trial.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- trials
- Third person singular
- trials
- Past tense
- trialed, trialled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The witness gave evidence on the second day of the _____.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman trial, from trier, "to test, sort, pick out" — the same French root behind triage.
Synonyms
View more →
court case
hearing
lawsuit
proceedings
litigation
case
tribunal
run
test
visitation
tryout
trial run
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for trial
See all rhymes for trial →Frequently asked questions
What does “trial” mean?
The word “trial” means a formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute. In plain terms, a test of something (a product, a person's ability, a claim), or a court case that decides guilt or liability.
How do you pronounce “trial”?
“Trial” is pronounced TREYE-uhl (/ˈtɹaɪəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “trial” in a sentence?
Here is “trial” used in a sentence: “The trial lasted three weeks before the jury reached a verdict.”
What part of speech is “trial”?
Depending on how it is used, “trial” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “trial” come from?
The word “trial” comes from French. From Anglo-Norman trial, from trier, "to test, sort, pick out" — the same French root behind triage.
Is “trial” a common word?
“Trial” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “trial” have?
“Trial” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a formal examination of evidence in court to decide whether someone is guilty of a crime or liable in a dispute.
What is the difference between a trial and a hearing?
A hearing is usually a shorter, preliminary court session that settles a specific issue or procedural question, often before a judge alone. A trial is the full examination of evidence, with witnesses and arguments, that reaches a final verdict on guilt or liability. A trial is broader and more conclusive.
What is the difference between a civil and a criminal trial?
A criminal trial decides whether someone is guilty of a crime, is brought by the state, and can lead to punishment such as prison. A civil trial resolves disputes between people or organizations, often over money or rights, deciding liability rather than guilt. Their standards of proof also differ.
What are the main stages of a trial?
A typical trial moves through jury selection, opening statements, the presentation of evidence and witness testimony, cross-examination, closing arguments, the judge's instructions, and finally the verdict. Each stage lets both sides present and challenge evidence before a decision on guilt or liability is reached.
What is the difference between a trial and a lawsuit?
A lawsuit is the entire legal case, from filing a complaint through to its resolution. A trial is one stage within it — the formal courtroom examination of evidence before a verdict. Many lawsuits are settled or dismissed and never actually reach the trial stage at all.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include trial:
