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

Once young Keaton decided she wanted to perform, she set about auditioning for everything from the church choir and the cheerleading squad to the class play.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When he auditioned for a production of “Annie,” which features a host of kids, she and her older sister were eager to join.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There is plenty to capture, from big auditions and band formations to hundreds of stage performances.

Read more on BBC

I auditioned for all the plays and soon met Busy Philipps in the campus production of “Noises Off,” and we dated.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He was one of the few to audition who understood that the privileged Felix was only nice because he never had to be mean, says Fennell, who praises the actor’s intellect and emotional intuitiveness.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• demo 
• tryout