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

Reed recalls attending tryouts as a young skater with four boys taking their pick of 25 girls at a rink. —CBS News, 18 Jan. 2026

Clarkson is close to Lake Placid, where the bobsled and skeleton track is, and Florian saw a flyer for open tryouts one day. —Lori Riley, Hartford Courant, 14 Jan. 2026

Verb

Small dogs can try out their winter wardrobes, particularly jackets that cover their trunk and undercarriage. —Jen Reeder, Forbes.com, 23 Jan. 2026

No experience is required to try out for this US Olympic team — just show up and take your shot. —Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 23 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