dry run

noun

1

: a practice exercise : rehearsal, trial

2

: a practice firing without ammunition

Synonyms of dry run

• rehearsal
• trial

Examples of dry run in a Sentence

We did a dry run of the experiment.

After several dry runs, she was ready to give the speech.

Recent Examples on the Web

Commentators such as Canadian journalist and filmmaker Paul Jay, founder and former CEO of The Real News Network, have described the 2021 insurrection as a dry run for future attempts to subvert American democracy. — James Robenalt, Vanity Fair, 27 July 2026

Deitch hopes this year’s inaugural edition will serve as a dry run for a larger parade timed to the 2028 Olympics. — Jane Horowitz, Los Angeles Times, 16 June 2026

The makers did two test runs with a replica of identical size and weight to the tapestry, one in a Mercedes truck from Bayeux to London, in a secret February dry run, another in public in April. — Brian Boucher, ARTnews.com, 4 June 2026

One fear is that these pipeline problems are not merely a Golden State issue—that California’s primary is a (very) dry run for the Democrats’ path to higher leadership, and specifically the great big beautiful office that will open in 2029. — Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 1 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dry run

• begun
• grandson
• gudrun
• handgun
• homespun
• outdone
• outrun
• pashtun
• redone
• rerun
• shotgun
• someone

Kids Definition

dry run

noun

1

: a practice firing without ammunition

2

: a practice exercise