rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl 

1

: something recounted or told again : recital

2

a

: a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance

b

: a practice exercise : trial

Synonyms

• dry run
• practice
• practise
• trial

Examples of rehearsal in a Sentence

She was 15 minutes late to rehearsal.

There are only three more rehearsals before the concert.

Recent Examples on the Web

As the new honorary colonel of the Irish Guards, the 42-year-old mother of three was invited to attend the rehearsal, but instead sent a letter apologizing for her absence. —Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 10 June 2024

By Rebecca Schneid June 8, 2024 11:05 AM EDT In a new letter, Kate Middleton, Princess of Wales, apologized to the Irish Guards—a Foot Guards regiment of the British Army—for missing today’s final rehearsal of the annual Trooping the Colour event and wished the regiment good luck. —Rebecca Schneid, TIME, 8 June 2024

According to Hello! magazine, the bride and groom were joined at the rehearsal by Hugh's sister, Lady Edwina, and her husband, television presenter Dan Snow. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 6 June 2024

At his first rehearsal, van Zweden took a moment to address the players. —Javier C. Hernández, New York Times, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rehearsal

• dress rehearsal
• in rehearsal
• pre-rehearsal
• rehearsal dinner
• wedding rehearsal

Kids Definition

rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl 

1

: a private performance or practice session in preparation for a public appearance

2

: a practice exercise : trial

Medical Definition

rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl 

1

: a method for improving memory by mentally or verbally repeating over and over the information to be remembered

2

: the repeated mental review of a desired action or behavioral response

preoperative rehearsal of coping imagery to reduce anxiety