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

It was reported back in 2022 that The Righteous had taken part in a WWE tryout alongside other independent wrestlers. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Sep. 2025

New ball crew members are selected through a vigorous tryout process that takes place in late June. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Aug. 2025

Verb

At the open house, guests can tour the facility, meet coaches, learn about programs and get a chance to try out the ice, according to a news release. —Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025

In 2023, 1,200 people applied to try out, but only 100 were selected to work the event. —Skyler Caruso, People.com, 31 Aug. 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