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

In the next two years Chapman had a tryout with the Chicago Bears during rookie minicamp in 2005 and a workout for the Cincinnati Bengals. —Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 11 Oct. 2024

The candidate tryouts for the role show Democrats are blessed with a lot of talent. —E.j. Dionne Jr., Washington Post, 30 July 2024

Verb

While its specialty is strong reds like Primitivo di Manduria and Negroamaro, it’s been trying out less boozy alternatives and this year presented its first alcohol-free sparkling wine and spritz. —Vivek Wadhwa, Fortune Europe, 19 Oct. 2024

Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology has tried out Vaisala’s more sustainable balloon prototypes and has switched from white to blue balloons, which marine animals may be less likely to mistake for food. —Danielle Beurteaux, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

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