rehearsal

American  

[ri-hur-suhl] / rɪˈhɜr səl /

noun

• rehearsals
  plural

1. a session of exercise, drill, or practice, usually private, in preparation for a public performance, ceremony, etc..

   a play rehearsal; a wedding rehearsal.

2. the act of rehearsing.

3. a repeating or relating.

   a rehearsal of grievances.

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rehearsal British  

/ rɪˈhɜːsəl /

noun

1. a session of practising a play, concert, speech etc, in preparation for public performance

2. the act of going through or recounting; recital

   rehearsal of his own virtues was his usual occupation

3. being prepared for public performance

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• prerehearsal
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• rehearsals
  plural

Etymology

Origin of rehearsal

First recorded in 1350–1400, rehearsal is from the Middle English word rehersaille. See rehearse, -al ²

Explanation

A rehearsal is a practice, especially for a performance of some kind. You're likely to be nervous about your magic show if the rehearsal goes badly. When you practice for a play, read your speech in front of a mirror, or go through a dance performance before the big show, you're taking part in a rehearsal. Any kind of practice session can be called a rehearsal, like a wedding rehearsal or a musician's rehearsal. The Old French root of rehearsal is rehercier, "go over again." Originally, rehearsal just meant "to say something over again;" in the mid-1500s it began to also mean "practice a play."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

rehearsal rehearsals

Unfortunately for us, the film’s audience, it doesn’t make watching the rest of the rehearsal any more enjoyable.

From Salon ● Oct. 5, 2026

During weeks of rehearsal at Pinewood Studios outside of London, Cruise would almost always wear the makeup to help him find the character.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 1, 2026

But they can’t see what I remember when I hold it: cymbals timed correctly during the performance, a gratified nod from the conductor after weeks of botching it in rehearsal.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 29, 2026

A couple of hours later, still in the middle of a song, Liam waves goodbye and casually strolls out of the rehearsal space.

From BBC ● Sep. 7, 2026

At the end of the act the rehearsal ended temporarily.

From "Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?" by Philip K. Dick

“Anytime I’m resting in rehearsals, he’s practicing… What you see on Tuesdays, that is his best…”

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 30, 2026

The facility also contains new studios for Apple Music's radio stations, which will move from their current home in King's Cross, and dedicated rooms for DJ mixes, writing camps and band rehearsals.

From BBC ● Sep. 22, 2026

My dad drove me to rehearsals and slept in the car.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

When Frech needs to recover from his “Dancing With the Stars” rehearsals, the Paralympic gold medalist can retreat to his family’s home in one of Los Angeles’ most exclusive enclaves.

From MarketWatch ● Sep. 8, 2026

Tomorrow is dress rehearsals; Saturday morning is reserved for a light run-through before the show, which starts promptly at seven p.m.

From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy

Related Words

• drill
• practice session
• reading
• recital
• tryout
• workout