rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl 

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

Synonyms of rehearsal

• practice
• trial
• preview

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

Whether or not the two acts will unite for an ending jam, as Chicago did for years with longtime touring partners Earth, Wind & Fire, will be determined once rehearsals commence next year. —Melissa Ruggieri, USA Today, 1 Dec. 2025

Next, Froushan heads straight into rehearsals for American Psycho. —Baz Bamigboye, Deadline, 1 Dec. 2025

Stoppard mused during a rehearsal break in 2006. —NPR, 30 Nov. 2025

Jewel’s outerwear choice followed rehearsal looks from parade performers, including her own appearance in Rick Owens’ Concordians Runway Factory Boots. —Maggie Clancy, Footwear News, 28 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing rehearsal

• dress rehearsal
• in rehearsal
• pre-rehearsal
• rehearsal dinner
• wedding rehearsal

Rhymes for rehearsal

• demersal
• dispersal
• reversal
• transversal
• traversal
• bursal
• versal
• universal

Kids Definition

rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl 

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 

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