screen test

¹ American  

noun

1. a filmed audition to determine the suitability of an individual for appearing or acting in a motion picture.

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screen-test ² American  

[skreen-test] / ˈskrinˌtɛst /

verb (used with object)

1. to give a screen test to.

   The studio screen-tested 400 children before casting the part.

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verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a screen test.

   Dozens of actors have screen-tested for the role.

screen test British  

noun

1. a filmed audition of a prospective actor or actress to test suitability

2. the test film so made

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Etymology

Origin of screen test¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of screen-test²

First recorded in 1965–70; v. use of noun phrase screen test

Example Sentences

Longfellow had reportedly taped a screen test as a Weekend Update co-anchor alongside “SNL” writer KC Shornima, according to the outlet LateNighter.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025

And I got a call from my manager saying, “They want you to screen test with Sarah Paulson for this thing.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2025

"Instead of doing a screen test and auditions, it was like, 'we've seen your videos, here's your mic, here's your earpiece, off you pop'," he says.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2025

When he first got into Hollywood, he did a screen test, he got rejected for being rubbish.

From Salon • Dec. 19, 2023

I just needed to get a screen test with Warner Brothers.

From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm