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

Dom Amore: Paige Bueckers, Azzi Fudd, charisma and chemistry, an odd couple ready to win and entertain at UConn Azzi Fudd saw Paige Bueckers at a USA Basketball tryout and was less than impressed. —Dom Amore, Hartford Courant, 10 Apr. 2025

Even amid abusing heroin, cocaine, alcohol and other drugs, Fisher got the attention of the Royals at a tryout in 1975. —Kyle Newman, Denver Post, 4 Apr. 2025

Verb

Michelle Trachtenberg and Jennifer Lawrence also tried out for the part. —Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 3 May 2025

Her organization plans to showcase these jobs as part of an interactive exhibition in Geneva this June that will give attendees an opportunity to try out different tasks. —Rosa Rahimi, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tryout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

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