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

Last season, after a slew of injuries, TCU drew national attention by hosting walk-on tryouts midseason. —Chantel Jennings, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

There also is a Back Bay Summer Camp that serves as a safe introduction to the ocean environment for kids who don’t meet the age or tryout requirement for junior lifeguards. —Jessie Dax-Setkus, Orange County Register, 23 Mar. 2025

Verb

Who knows—maybe these flavors will inspire you to try out a spicy, smoky, or tangy take on John Legend's delicious baked version. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Apr. 2025

Obviously a hardcore puzzler is not going to be for everyone, but something with these scores and this much enthusiasm is probably going to be worth trying out regardless. —Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 7 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