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

There were more than 600 players at tryouts, but Apgar made enough of an impression that she was selected by Los Angeles in the third round of the league’s six-round draft in November. — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026

There might be content from tryouts and the requisite 'Happy Birthday' posts, but this summer, the Dolphins cheerleaders made a bold statement during the World Cup. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026

Verb

Owner Kent Harrison said the owner of the former Dairy Queen building was a Tay’s regular and gave Harrison a chance to try out the space. — Katelyn Umholtz, Kansas City Star, 24 July 2026

On eight separate occasions across June and July, the city tried out something new in midtown. — John Surico, Curbed, 24 July 2026

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