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

Engaging in work outside the studio or rehearsal space provides the critical structure, financial stability and mental refreshment essential for crucial artistic results. —Kice Akkawi, Rolling Stone, 16 June 2025

Everyone was having so much fun and would show up early for rehearsals to watch. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 16 June 2025

Each episode was made in three weeks; the first week was for rehearsals, the second week for the technical aspects and the third for filming. —Peter White, Deadline, 11 June 2025

The documentary, which premieres at the Tribeca Festival on Friday (June 6), is ultimately joyful, as the camera follows the group of college students attempting to balance rehearsals, schoolwork, personal challenges, and the relentless drive to become not just good performers, but a winning team. —Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025

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

Rhymes for rehearsal

• demersal
• dispersal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

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