clinical trial

noun

: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (such as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects

Examples of clinical trial 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.
Two years ago, the clinical trials examining lenacapavir — called PURPOSE 1 and 2 — delivered unprecedented results. — Michal Ruprecht, NPR, 13 Aug. 2026 For this clinical trial, researchers are looking to enroll ALS patients who've had symptoms for about two years. — Stephanie Stahl, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026 Any such research would require separate clinical trials and a distinct regulatory pathway beyond the device’s present indication for stimulating vitamin D production. — Tanya Akim, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Any safety concerns that emerge with knockoff versions could threaten the drug’s reputation, even though Lilly has been running its own large-scale clinical trial program on the medication. — Bloomberg, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for clinical trial

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of clinical trial was in 1946

Rhymes for clinical trial

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Browse Nearby Words

clinical thermometer
clinical trial
clinician
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Cite this Entry

“Clinical trial.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/clinical%20trial. Accessed 15 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

clinical trial

noun
: a scientifically controlled study of the safety and effectiveness of a therapeutic agent (as a drug or vaccine) using consenting human subjects

More from Merriam-Webster on clinical trial

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about clinical trial

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