rehearsal

American  

[ri-hur-suhl] / rɪˈhɜr səl /

noun

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

• prerehearsal
  adjective

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

“I love the Tiny Desk comparison because that’s what Tiny Desk used to be: a place to find undiscovered talent,” Rehearsal co-founder Levi Downey explained.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2025

And though shows steeped in awkwardness and idiocy — a lá "Nathan For You", "The Rehearsal," and "Impractical Jokers" — have always triggered my second-hand embarrassment, I still find the cringey, hijinx-stuffed premises funny.

From Salon • Jun. 25, 2023

Seattle All-City Band Director Marcus Pimpleton, who is Black, led a panel discussion, “A Courageous Conversation About Race in the Rehearsal Room,” during last month’s event in Bellevue.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 19, 2023

In the interview, Stacy breaks down the process for editing an episode of The Rehearsal, which involves piecing together a narrative from hours of unscripted conversations.

From Slate • Sep. 18, 2022

Rehearsal ends, but Abby and I dangle our feet off the edge of one of the platforms, watching Ms. Albright and Cal make notes in the big blue binder.

From "Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda" by Becky Albertalli

Related Words

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