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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This is a proving ground of American sound and literature. Jenny Adams, AFAR Media, 11 Feb. 2025 Spending: The mid-March appropriations deadline will be the next proving ground for the GOP's anti-IRA aspirations. Daniel Moore, Axios, 2 Jan. 2025 The state also served as a proving ground for names like Rick Tocchet, Gerard Gallant and John Tortorella who went on to find significant success elsewhere. Eric Stephens, The Athletic, 3 Jan. 2025 The platform became a proving ground for innovation and influence in a digital age, from muckraking journalists to controversial real estate developers. Jason Snyder, Forbes, 29 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proving ground 

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 22 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

proving ground

noun
: a place for scientific testing

More from Merriam-Webster on proving ground

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