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 of rehearsal

• practice
• trial
• preview

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

About to head into rehearsals for his upcoming play, Tarantino explained his current mindset is of being a writer first, as was put into action with opting not to direct Cliff Booth. — Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 24 Oct. 2026

The rehearsal at a family club was an intimate part of the celebrations. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026

For example, the symphony orchestra’s rehearsal space and orchestra pit are located on corresponding underground floors, allowing for convenient horizontal transport of large instruments. — Wendy Wang, Architectural Digest, 22 Oct. 2026

Inside the rehearsal hall this week, an exchange of powerful dialogue echoes across the stage. — La'tasha Givens, CBS News, 22 Oct. 2026

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

• 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