field trial

noun

1. a competition among sporting dogs under natural conditions in the field, in which the animals are judged on the basis of excellence of performance in hunting.
2. a trial of a new product or procedure to determine its efficiency or usefulness in actual performance.

field trial

noun

1. hunting a test of or contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency and standard of training in retrieving or pointing
2. often plural a test to display performance, efficiency, or durability, as of a vehicle or invention

Word History and Origins

Origin of field trial¹

First recorded in 1840–50

Example Sentences

“This is why we have opened the pathway to vaccine field trials even as we continue to deploy all available efforts, including emphasizing biosecurity and mandating the testing lactating dairy cattle moving across state lines.”

From Los Angeles Times

In the meantime, work on the development of a vaccine in cattle itself will be stepped up, with field trials undertaken in the coming months.

From BBC

In their field trial, the researchers collected dozens of measurements of the lava in different locations and at different times.

From Science Daily

If successful, larger field trials and eventual operational deployment of the mosquitoes will continue until next year in the country.

From BBC

Following successful field trials, Wolbachia is now used to help control dengue in more than a dozen countries.

From Science Magazine