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

Yet he wasn’t retained and had to sign a professional tryout contract with the Hawks before signing a one-year, $1 million deal. —Kalen Lumpkins, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026

Barnes saw the original production undergo significant changes between its pre-Broadway tryout in Chicago. —Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 15 Mar. 2026

Verb

The restaurant bought an ice cream machine and tried out over 20 recipes over the course of five days to find the right consistency and alcohol combination before officially adding it to the menu, Lozano said. —Kate Perez, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026

This year, organizers are trying out some new dates and came to CBS News Colorado's studio to talk about what else attendees can expect, including some big names. —Libby Smith, CBS News, 18 Mar. 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