audition

noun

au·di·tion | \ ȯ-ˈdi-shən

Definition of audition

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 : the power or sense of hearing

2 : the act of hearing especially : a critical hearing an audition of new recordings

3 : a trial performance to appraise an entertainer's merits

audition

verb

auditioned; auditioning\ ȯ-ˈdi-sh(ə-)niŋ

Definition of audition (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to test or try out especially in an audition

intransitive verb

: to give a trial performance

Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about audition

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Did You Know?

Noun

Today, "audition" most often refers to a theatrical tryout, but that wasn't always the case. "Audition" is rooted in the Latin verb audire, meaning "to hear," and was first used in the late 16th century to refer to the power or sense of hearing. "Audire" is also the root of such "hearing" words in English as "audible," "audience" (which first meant "the act or state of hearing"), and the prefix audio-, which appears in various words relating to sound. It wasn't until late 19th century that the noun "audition" began being used for an entertainer's trial performance. And the verb audition, meaning "to test or try out in an audition," didn't appear on the English language stage until the mid-20th century.

Examples of audition in a Sentence

Verb

When he came in to audition, he was very charming. They auditioned several girls for the role. We will audition dancers today.

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Kelly Clarkson looks back on the 17th anniversary of her American Idol victory Harrison Hill, USA TODAY Can an open audition for a reality TV competition really work? — Julie Hinds, Detroit Free Press, "'American Idol' auditions coming to Detroit: What to know," 4 Sep. 2019 At the field and slot corner spots, open auditions continue, even as the live footballs begin to fly. — Mike Berardino, Indianapolis Star, "Notre Dame great Todd Lyght pays it forward with new generation of cornerbacks," 1 Sep. 2019 After auditions, two actors stuck out for the part. — Catalina Righter, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, "September Song presents ‘The Little Mermaid’ for anniversary year production," 29 Aug. 2019 Strong, Willies and Ratley are likely headed for a four-game audition to stay on when Callaway returns. — Scott Patsko, cleveland.com, "Predicting the Cleveland Browns 53-man roster: Scott Patsko," 26 Aug. 2019 Along those lines, Ballard wouldn’t characterize this as a 16-game audition for Brissett. — Albert Breer, SI.com, "How the Colts Are Pushing Forward Without Andrew Luck," 26 Aug. 2019 The Fairleigh Dickinson University theater major started going on more auditions and enrolled in acting classes. — Lateshia Beachum, Washington Post, "She thought buying a billboard would get Tyler Perry’s attention. But he was already a fan.," 24 Aug. 2019 Defensively, the Cardinals will be using this contest for cornerback auditions. — Conor Orr, SI.com, "Cardinals vs. Vikings Live Stream, TV Channel: How to Watch NFL Preseason," 24 Aug. 2019 With McVay holding starters out of preseason games to avoid injuries, rookies and other players got extended auditions against the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. — Los Angeles Times, "Linebacker Natrez Patrick, receiver Nsimba Webster aim to convince Rams to keep them," 23 Aug. 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

If the Sox were auditioning for Orioles superstar Manny Machado as a potential free-agent destination next year or a trade partner this year, then the South Side team’s performance might prompt Machado to sign retirement papers between innings. — Steve Rosenbloom, chicagotribune.com, "Do the White Sox really think Manny Machado would want to play for a team like theirs?," 22 May 2018 Boys between 5 and 7 without musical experience and experienced older boys can audition and will receive qualified training free of charge if they're accepted, according to the choir's website. — NBC News, "9-year-old girl fighting to join German choir that for centuries has had only boy singers," 16 Aug. 2019 My roommates were all auditioning for way better stuff, and there were more auditions [for them]. — Los Angeles Times, "‘Dora and the Lost City of Gold’ is a rare opportunity for Latino representation in Hollywood," 8 Aug. 2019 After three seasons, the show moved to MTV and Diddy took over for Pearlman as the music mogul auditioned and launched a group. — Marcus Jones, EW.com, "Diddy and MTV are bringing back Making The Band," 15 July 2019 An aspiring actor, Miles contacted the San Antonio producers of the film, auditioned and was cast. — Elaine Ayala, ExpressNews.com, "San Antonio movie on ‘Challenger Disaster’ comes with surprise cameo," 2 July 2019 Students must audition and supply academic records. — Leslie Brody, WSJ, "‘Fame’ High School Principal Leaving Post After Student Protests," 24 June 2019 And Jake, aged 12, who was told he couldn't audition for theater roles because of his spinal muscular atrophy. — Abby Gardner, Glamour, "Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Had an Emotional Day Meeting Kids With Serious Health Needs," 4 Sep. 2018 The grueling schedule also limited the movie roles Chopra could audition for and accept. — refinery29.com, "Priyanka Chopra Is More Than Ready For Life After Quantico," 15 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'audition.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for audition

Noun

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Latin audītiōn-, audītiō "act of hearing, report, rumor," from audīre "to hear" + -tiōn- -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at audible entry 1

Verb

derivative of audition entry 1

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Last Updated

17 Sep 2019

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Time Traveler for audition

The first known use of audition was in 1599

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More Definitions for audition

audition

noun

English Language Learners Definition of audition

(Entry 1 of 2)

: a short performance to show the talents of someone (such as an actor or a musician) who is being considered for a role in a play, a position in an orchestra, etc.

audition

verb

English Language Learners Definition of audition (Entry 2 of 2)

of a performer : to try out for a role in a play or film, a position in an orchestra, etc. : to perform in an audition

: to test (someone) in an audition

See the full definition for audition in the English Language Learners Dictionary

audition

noun

au·di·tion | \ ȯ-ˈdi-shən