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

Reversing course on her original decision, Matson made a late effort to land a spot on the U.S. team, requesting a tryout and playing in the indoor Pan-Am Games to notch some international playing reps. —Brendan Quinn, The Athletic, 21 Aug. 2024

On the spot, the firm’s managing partner, known to everyone as Senior (Beau Bridges), signs Maddy on for a two-week tryout as an associate. —Noel Murray, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2024

Verb

Things didn’t get much better when the trio tried out Salt & Straw’s new edible ice cream perfumes, which are made to be sprayed onto ice cream prior to eating. —EW.com, 21 Nov. 2024

Nike allows members to try out a product for 60 days before returning or exchanging it. —John Tufts, The Indianapolis Star, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1903, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1909, in the meaning defined above

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