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

Steve got a tryout with the Orlando Panthers of the Atlantic Coast Football League, but unfortunately for Steve, his regular holder couldn’t make it. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Mar. 2026

Ultimately, 100 prospects were invited to a week of tryouts in January. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 28 Feb. 2026

Verb

Interested in trying out an oil cleanser? —Grace McCarty, Glamour, 6 Mar. 2026

The species belonged to what researchers described as a more experimental stage in early animal evolution — a time when nature was trying out wildly different designs to see what worked. —Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 6 Mar. 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