tryout

1 of 2

noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
: 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
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.
Noun
Reeve Carney recently wound up his seven years’ journey as Orpheus through its Canadian tryout and London and Broadway stints, replaced by Jordan Fisher; Ani DiFranco joined the production this February. Vulture Editors, Vulture, 4 Feb. 2025 While convenient — they can be done from the comfort of one’s home — these tryouts come with pressures, like finding the right lighting and camera setup. Katie Kilkenny, The Hollywood Reporter, 29 Jan. 2025
Verb
Plus, the restaurant category notoriously lacks brand loyalty — customers are just as happy to try out a competitor with a better deal or an enticing new menu option if their go-to restaurant’s options feel stale. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 7 Mar. 2025 Analysis: The Dolphins tried out three players — David Long Jr., Walker and Dodson — as Brooks’ running mate at inside linebacker, and nobody was an ideal fit. Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tryout

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tryout was in 1903

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Tryout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryout. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

tryout

1 of 2 noun
try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on tryout

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