1. periods of testing or trial to assess suitability or behavior
Usage: plural of probation
2. court-ordered periods of supervised release instead of imprisonment
Usage: legal context; plural of probation

Examples

• New employees serve six-month probations before becoming permanent staff.
• The judge sentenced both defendants to two-year probations.
• Teachers on probations must demonstrate improved classroom management.
• His probation officer monitors multiple probations in the district.
• The company extended probations for workers who failed initial evaluations.
• Successful completion of probations leads to full employment status.