tryout

1 of 2

noun

try·​out ˈtrī-ˌau̇t How to pronounce tryout (audio)
Synonyms of tryoutnext
: 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
In a great dramatic irony, his artistic pursuits, far away from the regimented goal of militaristic stoicism, lead to his initial tryout. — Siddhant Adlakha, Vulture, 31 Aug. 2026 Before Broadway, Parton was hard at work, producers said, refining the musical after its out-of-town tryout in order to give audiences a deeper look at her life than ever before. — Hedy Phillips, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026
Verb
Starting today, fans can try out the brand-new Nashville Hottie Chicken Salad and Pumpkin Spice Cake, as well as returning favorites Chicken Poblano Soup and Lemon Burst Buttercream Cookies. — Molly Burford, Southern Living, 31 Aug. 2026 People in your team are developing new prompts to varying success; others are trying out agents for their OKRs, and some are automating their inboxes. — Panos Siozos, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for tryout

See All Rhymes for tryout

Browse Nearby Words

try one's luck
tryout
try out
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Tryout.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tryout. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tryout

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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