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

The show’s world premiere was a pre-Broadway tryout at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven in February 1956. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 3 Aug. 2025

The 19-year-old Canadian’s tryout didn’t earn him a role for the 2025 Gators, but there still could be time. —Edgar Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2025

Verb

Christian Bale also tried out for the role, according to a biography by his former assistant. —Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 6 Aug. 2025

The network tried out some split-screen ads last season, much to the chagrin of audiences. —John Cassillo, Forbes.com, 5 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