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
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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 In Idlib, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham’s (HTS) Syrian Salvation Government (SSG) became a proving ground for administration, delivering electricity, sanitation, and bread to war-weary civilians. Guney Yildiz, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 Scout team reps for practice-squad players and reserves serve as a stepping stone, proving ground or even stage acting for Chargers players at all phases of their careers. Thuc Nhi Nguyen, Los Angeles Times, 6 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 21 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

proving ground

noun
: a place for scientific testing

More from Merriam-Webster on proving ground

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