Tester

ˈtestər

nounmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person or thing that performs a test or tests something.

ˈtestər

nounneutralmedium
General

A person who conducts tests.

The car company hired a professional tester to evaluate the new vehicle's safety features.

💡 Simply: A tester is someone or something that tries things out to see if they work. Like, a person who tries out new video games before they're released!

👶 For kids: A person who tries things out to see if they're good or bad.

More Examples

2

Before launching the website, they had a team of testers ensure it was user-friendly.

3

A good tester can identify flaws that would otherwise go unnoticed.

How It's Used

Engineering

"The software tester identified several bugs in the new program."

Medical

"Clinical trials require qualified testers to evaluate the drug's effectiveness."

2

A small amount of a product offered for evaluation.

ˈtestər

nounneutralBeginner
General

A sample of a product.

The perfume counter provides testers of various scents.

💡 Simply: A tester is a little sample of something you can try out. Like, a tiny bottle of perfume to see if you like the smell.

👶 For kids: A little bit of something to try out and see if you like it.

More Examples

2

Before buying the full-size lotion, she used a tester.

3

The store provides testers so customers can try the product before buying.

How It's Used

Marketing

"The cosmetics company offered free testers of their new foundation."

Retail

"Customers can try the cologne tester before making a purchase."

Tip:Think of the small bottles of perfume you try at a department store - a tester.

From Old French *tester* (to test), derived from *test* (test) itself ultimately from Latin *testum* (a pot, shell, or crucible).

The word 'tester' as a person performing an action, such as testing, is a relatively modern usage gaining traction alongside industrialization and increasing complex systems. The sample-related meaning, although less common, is derived from that application.

Memory tip

Imagine a scientist in a lab coat diligently conducting experiments. That's a tester.

tetertastertestor

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written