trial

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of testing something

   in the experimental trials the amount of carbon was measured separately

2. 2
   noun

   the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law

   The defendant had a fair trial and the jury found them guilty.

3. 3
   noun

   trying something to find out about it

   a sample for ten days free trial

4. 4
   noun

   an annoying or frustrating or catastrophic event

   Long speeches can be a great trial.

5. 5
   noun

   (sports) a preliminary competition to determine qualifications

   the trials for the semifinals began yesterday

6. 6
   noun

   An occasion on which a person or thing is tested to find out how well they perform or how suitable they are.

   all thy vexations / Were but my trials of thy love and thou / Hast strangely stood the test here

7. 7
   noun

   A meeting or series of meetings in a court of law at which evidence is presented to a judge (and sometimes a jury) to allow them to decide on a legal matter (especially whether an accused person is guilty of a crime).

   If you are convicted at trial, you have the right to file an appeal.

8. 8
   noun

   A difficult or annoying experience or person; (especially religion) such an experience seen as a test of faith and piety.

   That boy was a trial to his parents.

Etymology

From Middle English trial, triall, from Anglo-Norman trial, triel, from trier (“to pick out, cull”) + -al. More at English try.