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

The murder is framed as a dry run of sorts before Lizzie and Sullivan take out their rage on Andrew and Abby. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 18 Sep. 2026

The war in Iran may be thought of as a mini dry run for a larger problem. — Kenneth S. Rogoff, Foreign Affairs, 12 Aug. 2026

Practicing the routine before the first bell If your child is heading somewhere new, a dry run can work wonders. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026

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

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