tryout

1 of 2

noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t 

: an experimental performance or demonstration: such as

a

: a test of the ability (as of an athlete or actor) to fill a part or meet standards

b

: a performance of a play prior to its official opening to determine response and discover weaknesses

try out

2 of 2

verb

tried out; trying out; tries out

intransitive verb

: to compete for a position especially on an athletic team or for a part in a play

Examples of tryout in a Sentence

Noun

Open tryouts for the team are next Monday.

Verb

want to try out my new skateboard?

tried out his skill at archery

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

On the spot, the firm’s managing partner, known to everyone as Senior (Beau Bridges), signs Maddy on for a two-week tryout as an associate. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2024

Chapman and his father, Paul, stayed at the home of then-Bears left tackle John Tait during the 2005 tryout. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024

Verb

The video, which shows Irvine trying out a long dress against the backdrop of her boyfriend gushing over what was later revealed to be food, has been viewed more than 1.4 million times. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

The exhibit, which closes on Jan. 12, takes its title seriously: visitors are encouraged to actually try out the wares of 22 top designers. —Ray Mark Rinaldi, The Denver Post, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tryout

1 of 2 noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t 

: a test of the ability (as of an actor or athlete) to fill a part or meet standards

try out

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)trī-ˈau̇t

: to take part in a tryout especially for a position on an athletic team or a part in a play