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 last year’s camp tryout with Precious Achiuwa was at least worth the shot. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Aug. 2026

Patterson signed after going 13 for 13 on field goals while outperforming Gonzalez, Eddy Piniero and Greg Joseph in a tryout. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 21 Aug. 2026

Verb

One of the most child-friendly, affordable and safest ways to get into this hobby, though, is by trying out Stomp Rockets. — Grace Dean, Space.com, 16 Aug. 2026

Just look at all the corporate CEO taste tests that took place after the CEO of McDonald’s starred in a viral video trying out his company’s new burger, a video that suggested a lack of enthusiasm for the product. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 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