tryout

1 of 2

noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Noah Gregor, who was with the Panthers in training camp on a professional tryout and signed a two-way deal ahead of the season, made his Florida debut on the fourth line with center Cole Schwindt and right wing Luke Kunin. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2025 Women’s National team tryouts The Women’s National Team of 16 players was formed through tryout camps in New York and California. Rick Mauch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025
Verb
The aspiring rock star tried out for Idol in 2008, back when the program still had its original lineup of judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 5 Nov. 2025 In an effort to streamline your routine with picks that are actually worth the investment, our editors and contributors continually try out robot vacuums in our own homes, from old-faithful brands like iRobot and Eufy as well as the latest innovations from big-names like Dyson. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 3 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tryout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tryout was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tryout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryout. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.

Kids Definition

tryout

1 of 2 noun
try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on tryout

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