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

As part of their efforts to encourage young women to participate, Abbott partnered with former NWSL goalkeeper Brittney Wilson Isenhour to promote and take part in the tryouts. —Caroline Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025

The tryout went so well, Odugbesan said, WWE wanted to sign him right there. —Chris Vannini, New York Times, 12 July 2025

Verb

Attendees can try out digital games or learn how to play the original trading card game at the KONAMI booth. —Olivia Petty, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025

To increase your VO2 max, try out these types of exercise, experts say: HIIT. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA Today, 13 July 2025

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