rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
1
: something recounted or told again : recital
2
a
: a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance
b
: a practice exercise : trial

Examples of rehearsal in a Sentence

She was 15 minutes late to rehearsal. There are only three more rehearsals before the concert.
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.
Jelinek, who portrayed supporting character Jay (a bully who, alongside actor Larry Bagby's Ice, antagonizes Katz's Max at the start of the film), remembers Katz courting him to get high before rehearsal for a key scene helmed by director Kenny Ortega. Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Oct. 2025 Following two weeks of rehearsal, Poetic Justice shot from April 14, 1992, until July 4, 1992. Jeff Pearlman, HollywoodReporter, 20 Oct. 2025 New administrative offices, technical, rehearsal and storage facilities are completed. Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Oct. 2025 Marines and event organizers rebutted, stating that the exercises were routine and that safety precautions were taken, noting that rehearsals, medical, fire, and emergency assets were in place. Hollie Silverman, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for rehearsal

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rehearsal was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rehearsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rehearsal. Accessed 22 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

rehearsal

noun
re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
1
: a private performance or practice session in preparation for a public appearance
2
: a practice exercise : trial

Medical Definition

rehearsal

noun
re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
1
: a method for improving memory by mentally or verbally repeating over and over the information to be remembered
2
: the repeated mental review of a desired action or behavioral response
preoperative rehearsal of coping imagery to reduce anxiety

More from Merriam-Webster on rehearsal

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