tries; tried; trying
1
: to make an effort to do something : to attempt to accomplish or complete something
I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try.
Keep trying. You can do it.
You can do it if you try hard enough.
"He said he can beat you." "I'd like to see him try!"
I tried, but I just couldn't do it.
"She's not in the office now." "OK. I'll try again later."
If you don't succeed the first time, try, (and) try again.
He still hasn't found a job, but it is not for lack/want of trying. [=he has been trying to find a job but he has not found one]
I tried my best/hardest [=I tried very hard, I did everything that I could do], but I just couldn't do it.
—often followed by to + verbHe tried to move the sofa by himself.
Please try not to make any noise.
I was only trying to help!
You should try to exercise more.
—often followed by and + verbTry and relax.
Try and think of another example.
2
: to do or use (something) in order to see if it works or will be successful
I don't know where she is. Try calling her on her cell phone.
Try her cell phone.
He tried a few things to remove the stain, but nothing worked.
Try (pressing) that button.
Did you try restarting the computer?
If you want to lose weight, try exercising more.
She tried a karate move on him.
He tried the switch, and the lights flickered on.
I tried (opening) the door, but it was locked.
No, we don't sell those. Try the store across the street.
I tried several hotels, but there were no rooms available.
—often + outIf you can't solve the problem, you should try out a different approach.
3
a
: to do or use (something) in order to find out if you like it
He never wants to try anything new.
I tried skiing for the first time last winter.
Have you ever tried teaching?
—often + outHe decided to try the car out.
She has tried out many different jobs but can't find one she likes.
b
: to taste (food or drink) to find out what it is like
You should try the cake. It's excellent.
"Would you like to try some caviar?" "Sure—I'll try anything once."
Try a little bite.
4
: to test how good, strong, etc., something or someone is
"These are the times that try men's souls."—
Thomas Paine, "The Crisis" (1776)
Thomas Paine, "The Crisis" (1776)"Oh, you probably don't know the answer!" "Try me." [=ask me the question]
You are trying my patience. [=you are making me lose my patience and become angry]
5
a
: to examine and make a decision about (a legal case)
—usually used as (be) tried
The case was tried in a federal court.
b
: to have a trial to decide if someone is innocent or guilty
—usually used as (be) tried for
He was tried for murder. [=he was put on trial for murder]
plural tries
1
: an effort or attempt to do something
—usually singular
I doubt it will work, but it's worth a try.
Nice try. I'm sure you'll do better next time.
"I can't open this jar." "Let me have a try at it." [=let me try to open it]
You should give skydiving a try.
(US, old-fashioned) We can win this game if we give it the old college try! [=if we give our very best effort and try very hard to win]
2
rugby
: a play in which points are scored by touching the ground with the ball behind the opponent's goal line
He scored a try.
Cite this Entry
“Try.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/try. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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