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

One or both landers will take part in next year’s Artemis III, a docking rehearsal in orbit around Earth. — Marcia Dunn, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026

In the rehearsal, Stephani accidentally swung her arm around and hit Natalie in the eye. — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 5 Aug. 2026

Pre-production is a long process that includes casting, hiring the crew, scheduling, rehearsals, and so much more — a lot can happen during the weeks and months leading up to filming. — Britt Hayes, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Aug. 2026

Singers were together for just one nine-hour rehearsal over a four-day period in which the directing team worked with cast members in small groups. — ABC News, 4 Aug. 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