tryout

1 of 2

noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 See All Example Sentences for tryout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tryout was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tryout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryout. Accessed 11 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

tryout

1 of 2 noun
try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on tryout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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