audition

[aw-dish-uhn]

noun

1. a trial hearing given to a singer, actor, or other performer to test suitability for employment, professional training or competition, etc.

2. a reading or other simplified rendering of a theatrical work, performed before a potential backer, producer, etc.

3. the act, sense, or power of hearing.

4. something that is heard.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to try or compete in an audition.

   to audition aspiring actors; to audition for the leading role.

audition

/ ɔːˈdɪʃən /

noun

1. a test at which a performer or musician is asked to demonstrate his ability for a particular role, etc

2. the act, sense, or power of hearing

verb

1. to judge by means of or be tested in an audition

Other Word Forms

• auditioner noun
• reaudition noun
• unauditioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of audition¹

1590–1600; (< Middle French ) < Latin audītiōn- (stem of audītiō hearing). See auditive, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of audition¹

C16: from Latin audītiō a hearing, from audīre to hear

Example Sentences

Investor fluency is part of the job audition long before the board vote.

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Sennott’s first glimpse of the reality behind the Hollywood curtain came to her during a trip to audition for a pilot.

Read more on Salon

For about a quarter-century major orchestras have hired musicians based on blind auditions, in which the applicants, remaining otherwise silent, plays his or her instrument behind a curtain.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I was a college student who dressed up as a college student for the audition.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Basically I was telling people, “Hey, can I audition for this movie musical? Can I audition for this live TV musical?”

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Related Words

• demo 
• tryout