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

During his blind audition, he sang Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You,” which he dedicated to his mother, who had died the year before.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2026

It feels like he has passed his audition and also that he has a bit of clout.

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

And he is using his tenure to audition for the full position by attempting to show he can out-Bondi, Bondi.

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

I’m looking for something that I’m interested in learning more about or writing about, or that they’re turning into a show I want to audition for.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

“I didn’t say that. I’m just surprised. I mean, you have to audition, right?”

From "Keep It Together, Keiko Carter" by Debbi Michiko Florence

Related Words

• demo
• tryout