tryout

1 of 2

noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t 

: an experimental performance or demonstration: such as

a

: a test of the ability (as of an athlete or actor) to fill a part or meet standards

b

: a performance of a play prior to its official opening to determine response and discover weaknesses

try out

2 of 2

verb

tried out; trying out; tries out

intransitive verb

: to compete for a position especially on an athletic team or for a part in a play

Examples of tryout in a Sentence

Noun

Open tryouts for the team are next Monday.

Verb

want to try out my new skateboard?

tried out his skill at archery

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His deal in Spain includes a 10-day tryout period. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 Jan. 2026

For three Chicago Bulls guards, Thursday’s upset win over the Minnesota Timberwolves could have doubled as a tryout. —Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

Verb

Key Takeaways Looking for a family-friendly activity to try out with your kids this Black History Month? —Leslie D. Rose, Parents, 29 Jan. 2026

The 34-year-old reality star reflected on trying out a new look on The Traitors during a recent PEOPLE in 10 interview. —Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tryout

• about
• bailout
• blackout
• blowout
• breakout
• burnout
• buyout
• checkout
• closeout
• cutout
• devout
• dropout

Kids Definition

tryout

1 of 2 noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t 

: a test of the ability (as of an actor or athlete) to fill a part or meet standards

try out

2 of 2 verb

(ˈ)trī-ˈau̇t

: to take part in a tryout especially for a position on an athletic team or a part in a play