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

• dry run
• practice
• practise
• trial

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 changes meant that Donnelly had to reorient her portrayal of Joan with just a few weeks of rehearsal. —Brent Lang, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024

South Korea and the U.S. have responded by expanding their military exercises, which North Korea views as invasion rehearsals. —Hyung-Jin Kim and Kim Tong-Hyung, Los Angeles Times, 18 Oct. 2024

If time permits, conduct rehearsals so presenters can practice speaking, handling questions and navigating the event platform or software. Visuals and other materials, such as slide decks, infographics and videos, can also enhance your message and keep the audience engaged. —Michele Dobnikar, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

But in those early rehearsals, Alex started feeling numbness, peripheral neuropathy, especially in his feet. —Brian Hiatt, Rolling Stone, 15 Oct. 2024

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

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