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 of rehearsal

• practice
• trial
• preview

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

The family drama follows a renowned actress who faces mounting pressure during show rehearsals when her estranged sister suddenly reappears after three decades. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 11 Aug. 2026

Julie, this book was inspired by your real-life poodle, who famously howled along during My Fair Lady rehearsals? — Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 11 Aug. 2026

The drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, were expected to draw an angry response from North Korea, because the country views the training as a rehearsal to invade it. — ABC News, 11 Aug. 2026

Every bag the dancers carried into rehearsal — from Trader Joe’s totes to a Target shopper — overflowed with layer upon layer of real ballet core, each piece serving a purpose for that dancer’s practice, but also expressing something more personal. — Claire Salinda, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026

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

Rhymes for rehearsal

• dispersal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

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