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

While veterans jockey for new contracts during free agency, young players are getting their tryout opportunities with NBA summer league games beginning this week. — Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026

After the recruiter assured Ward that the team was in fact pursuing international candidates, Ward flew to Dallas and underwent the DCC's rigorous tryouts. — Tabitha Parent, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026

Verb

At a recent meeting, the district’s school board approved a contract with EverDriven, which provides private transportation services for other Illinois school districts, that will enable the district to try out working with the company. — Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 13 July 2026

The prince tried out some of the sports that will be featured at the 2027 Invictus Games while the monarch visited Oxfordshire, about 50 miles from Highgrove House. — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 July 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