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

The Buffalo Bills gave him a tryout but no contract. —Chris Quintana, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

But when the production moved to Broadway in November 1994, LuPone was replaced by Glenn Close, who had been playing the role in a Los Angeles tryout. —Dave Quinn, People.com, 12 Dec. 2024

Verb

Parton said, encouraging everyone to try out for the opportunity. —Rachel Raposas, People.com, 5 Dec. 2024

The easy-to-read instruction booklet contains 50 colorful science activities and crafts to try out at home, including a tornado in a bottle, glow worms, and watercolor ice. —Cheryl Fenton, Parents, 5 Dec. 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