audition

American  

[aw-dish-uhn] / ɔˈdɪʃ ən /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

Other Word Forms

• auditioner noun
• reaudition noun
• unauditioned adjective

Etymology

Origin of audition

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

Explanation

An audition is a tryout for a role in a movie, orchestra, or play. If you bomb the audition, you probably won't make it into the cast. When describing a tryout in which an actor, singer, musician, or dancer tries to prove that he or she is talented enough to earn a part in a show, audition is used as a noun. The word can also be used as a verb, as in, "I auditioned for the part of Peter Pan, but every time I tried to fly I fell flat on my face." Audition shares a common heritage with audience, the group of people who will eventually watch the show for which a performer has auditioned. Both words come from the Middle French term meaning "power of hearing."

Example Sentences

Saturday night's episode showed the boys' choir leader - and former X Factor contestant - Lloyd Macey nominated the boys for the audition.

From BBC • Apr. 12, 2026

The moment the sisters had worked for all their lives arrived in 2020, when the time came to set off around the country — and the world — to audition for ballet companies.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 30, 2026

Winning her latest role didn’t require Valerie to audition or endure nerve-wracking pitch meetings because the show was built for her.

From Salon • Mar. 26, 2026

After scouring social media, music programs, blues clubs and other music venues, a poorly lit homemade audition tape from newcomer Miles Caton blew her away.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 13, 2026

She spent all her time in her room practicing the “Off with Her Head” song for her Queen audition and going over to Ezra’s house.

From "A Boy Called Bat" by Elana K. Arnold

Related Words

• demo
• tryout