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

His friend Jennifer Grey got him the part without his having to audition.

From Salon

There’s a point in the show when I leave my mom and she says, “Don’t leave me here,” and I leave her and go to an audition.

From Los Angeles Times

Nuñez remembers when he auditioned for “The Office” as “a good actor’s day,” and believes that his time at the Groundlings doing improv gave him a leg up that day.

From Los Angeles Times

“After auditioning countless other boys, Andrew and Cooper were at the top of my list. … They were electric.”

From Los Angeles Times

Still, they supported her ambitions, schlepping her to and from auditions and performances, and their creative natures helped her to see that a career in the arts “wasn’t off-limits,” she said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demo 
• tryout