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

Even with that new path looming, though, his father, Ignacio, persuaded him to attend one last tryout in the Dominican capital of Santo Domingo that would be scouted by all 30 MLB teams. —Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 27 June 2025

Not because the Heat did not want such a tryout, but because Jakucionis’ representation did not see the need for a player widely viewed as no worse than a lottery selection and most likely as a top-10 pick. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 26 June 2025

Verb

The second winner from Mississippi, Roberts tried out for the show twice before coming back and winning it all. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 3 July 2025

As a result of the district court's order, Hecox tried out for the women's NCAA running teams at Boise State, but did not qualify. —July 3, CBS News, 3 July 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