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

That means that the BMW Championship and Tour Championship are tryouts for the tournament that every pro golfer wants in on. —Erik Shilling, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2025

This feels more like Nassir Little’s camp tryout with the Heat a year ago, with nothing guaranteed from a contractual perspective. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025

Verb

Best Hybrid Mattress Our editors have tried out near countless mattresses over the years, and this one checks all of the boxes. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 22 Aug. 2025

So in a shift primarily led by players, the PGA Tour is trying out a new messaging: Make the Tour Championship the hardest event to qualify for in golf. —Brody Miller, New York Times, 21 Aug. 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