# smoke test

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/smoke-test
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. software/systems testing

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a quick test to make sure the most important parts of a computer program work before you test the details.

For teachers: a preliminary software test that covers the most crucial functions of a build to ensure it is stable enough for further testing.

- After the developers updated the code, we ran a smoke test to make sure the app could still open.
- The automated smoke test failed immediately after the deployment, indicating a critical regression in the authentication module that required an urgent rollback.

Usage: Often used as a compound noun or a modifier before another noun like 'suite' or 'procedure'.

### 2. electronics/hardware

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

the first time you turn on a new piece of electronics to see if it catches fire or breaks.

For teachers: an initial power-on test of a hardware prototype to check for major wiring errors that might cause components to overheat or fail.

- He held his breath during the smoke test of the new circuit board he had soldered.
- Standard laboratory safety protocols require a fire extinguisher to be nearby during the initial smoke test of high-voltage prototypes.

Teaching tip: This is the original literal meaning of the term, though the software sense is now more common in professional contexts.

### 3. plumbing/pipes

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

a test where you blow smoke into pipes to find leaks.

For teachers: a method of inspecting pipes or containers for leaks by filling them with non-toxic smoke and observing where it escapes.

- The plumber performed a smoke test to find the source of the bad smell in the basement.
- Municipal engineers conducted a smoke test on the sewer lines to identify illegal connections and structural cracks in the aging infrastructure.

### 4. to perform a basic test

verb · CEFR C1 · Technical · Informal

to perform a quick, basic check on a new system.

For teachers: to subject a system, software build, or hardware component to a preliminary stability check.

- We need to smoke test the new version before we send it to the client.
- The engineering team decided to smoke test the integration layer before proceeding with the full stress-testing phase.

## Examples

- The software passed the smoke test, so we can start full testing.
- After the mechanic replaced the engine parts, he performed a smoke test to ensure there were no immediate leaks or failures.
- While the smoke test does not guarantee a bug-free release, it serves as a critical gatekeeper to prevent the QA team from wasting time on fundamentally broken builds.

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