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

Lorenz also signed an amateur tryout on Wednesday with Iowa and could debut as early as Wednesday night against Grand Rapids. —Michael Russo, New York Times, 15 Apr. 2026

Gustafsson Nyberg, 22, had played two games with the Iowa Wild on an amateur tryout after playing with Connecticut during the collegiate season. —Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 9 Apr. 2026

Verb

Ditch those tired frozen meals and try out something a bit more exciting in your work lunch routine. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2026

The model and actress is trying out one of Hollywood's hot new trends. —Emma Banks, InStyle, 9 Apr. 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