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
Most of the names in the draft guide will be lucky to be camp bodies or even receive a tryout. — Dane Brugler, New York Times, 23 June 2026 That earned him an invitation to a closed-door tryout. — Idaho Statesman, 8 June 2026
Verb
For a dainty, feminine knee-high boots outfit with a twist, try out a boho dress with black, burgundy, or brown leather boots. — Abby Morgan Lebet, Glamour, 6 July 2026 Part of this alternative comedy scene was people trying out things. — Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 5 July 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 7 Jul. 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

Nglish: Translation of tryout for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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