Definition

1. Noun:
   • A test of young hunting dogs to determine their skill in pointing and retrieving: A "field trial" is a competitive event or evaluation where hunting dogs, especially pointers and retrievers, demonstrate their natural abilities and training in a simulated hunting environment.
   • A contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency in pointing and retrieving: It refers to an organized competition where dogs are judged on their performance in tasks essential for hunting game birds.
   • A test of the performance of some new product under the conditions in which it will be used: In a broader, non-canine context, a "field trial" is a practical test of a new product, piece of equipment, or methodology conducted in its intended real-world setting, rather than in a laboratory.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Canine Competition):
  • The champion setter was bred from a line of dogs that excelled in field trials.
  • He entered his young Labrador in its first field trial to assess its retrieving instincts.
• Noun (Product Testing):
  • The agricultural company conducted extensive field trials for the new drought-resistant seed variety.
  • The software update will undergo a field trial with a select group of users before public release.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a field trial": to organize and run such a test or competition.
  • The kennel club will hold a field trial next month.
• "to be in/under field trial": describes a product or method currently being tested in real conditions.
  • The prototype is still under field trial; the final design may change.

Variants and Related Words

• Field-test (verb): To test something in a real-world environment.
  • The engineers need to field-test the vehicle in extreme climates.
• Trial (noun): A test or experiment. "Field trial" is a specific type of trial.

Synonyms

• Canine context: hunting test, dog trial, gun dog competition.
• Product context: practical test, real-world test, pilot test, beta test.

Related Phrases

• Field trial results: The outcomes or data collected from such a test.
  • The field trial results were promising, showing a 15% increase in yield.
• Field trial champion: A dog that has won such a competition.
  • His dog is a national field trial champion.

Noun

1. a test of young hunting dogs to determine their skill in pointing and retrieving
2. a contest between gun dogs to determine their proficiency in pointing and retrieving
3. a test of the performance of some new product under the conditions in which it will be used