rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
Synonyms of rehearsalnext
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

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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
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.
Because of his unique working methods, Herzog typically plans for a long series of rehearsals before production begins. — Nate Jones, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026 Last week, the Aperture singer logged several miles on his walk to his final rehearsal for his 30-night residency at Madison Square Garden. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 2 Sep. 2026 During technical rehearsals, afternoon waits routinely topped two hours, with some waiting longer than three and closer to four, although the last was rare. — Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 31 Aug. 2026 The sports-movie metaphor was applied most directly to the Hamlet rehearsal scenes, which are cut through the movie with tremendous energy by editor Valerio Bonelli. — David Canfield, HollywoodReporter, 31 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rehearsal

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rehearsal was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rehearsal

Rhymes for rehearsal

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Browse Nearby Words

rehearing
rehearsal
rehearsal dinner
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Cite this Entry

“Rehearsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rehearsal. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rehearsal

noun
re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
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 How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
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
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