proving ground

noun

1
: a place for scientific experimentation or testing (as of vehicles or weapons)
2
: a place where something is developed or tried out

Examples of proving ground in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In January of 2021, Shelby decamped to proving grounds at Kennedy Space Center for a redux, bringing ample recording devices and external groups to monitor. Sean Evans, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024 And earlier this fall, that sample collection cannister landed, via parachute, at a Department of Defense proving ground in Utah about 80 miles west of Salt Lake City. Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 16 Nov. 2023 There now are robust leagues across Europe — England’s Women’s Super League, Germany’s Frauen-Bundesliga, France’s Division 1 Feminine, Spain’s Liga F — that also serve as proving grounds for talent from overseas. John Powers, BostonGlobe.com, 14 July 2023 While there are proving grounds all over the country, New York City is its epicenter. Nia Decaille, New York Times, 11 Nov. 2023 Call centers frequently serve as proving grounds for algorithmic management tools that heavily surveil workers and automate away any periods of idleness. WIRED, 9 Nov. 2023 Before journalism, the work that put food on my table was evaluating and tweaking the suspensions of prototypes in development at proving grounds, racetracks, and even public roads when routine driving character was under scrutiny. Dan Edmunds, Car and Driver, 26 Mar. 2023 The Blue Oval even built a dedicated rally course at its Michigan proving ground, giving the engineers and technicians working on the Mach-E Rally a proper place to tame this wild horse. Greg S. Fink, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 If this is the case, then Route 14 Investment Partners' $125 million purchase of the old DaimlerChrysler proving ground appears to indicate Apple's financial commitment to creating a car of its own, presumably one with profitability in mind. Greg S. Fink, Car and Driver, 26 June 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proving ground.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of proving ground was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near proving ground

Cite this Entry

“Proving ground.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proving%20ground. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

proving ground

noun
: a place for scientific testing

More from Merriam-Webster on proving ground

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