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

Example Sentences

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

Phil Foden's World Cup audition ended painfully with the consoling arm of England head coach Thomas Tuchel around his shoulder.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 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

His trolling, however, may well draw the attention of President Trump, who was clearly the intended audience for this obscene Supreme Court audition.

From Slate • 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