rehearse

[ ri-hurs ]

verb (used with object)

, re·hearsed, re·hears·ing.

1. to practice (a musical composition, a play, a speech, etc.) in private prior to a public presentation.
2. to drill or train (an actor, musician, etc.) by rehearsal, as for some performance or part.
3. to relate the facts or particulars of; recount.

   Synonyms: recapitulate, narrate, portray, describe, delineate

verb (used without object)

, re·hearsed, re·hears·ing.

1. to rehearse a play, part, etc.; participate in a rehearsal.

rehearse

/ rɪˈhɜːs /

verb

1. to practise (a play, concert, etc), in preparation for public performance
2. tr to run through; recount; recite

   the official rehearsed the grievances of the committee

3. tr to train or drill (a person or animal) for the public performance of a part in a play, show, etc

Derived Forms

• reˈhearser, noun

Other Words From

• re·hearsa·ble adjective
• re·hearser noun
• unre·hearsa·ble adjective
• unre·hearsed adjective
• unre·hearsing adjective
• well-re·hearsed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rehearse¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English rehersen, rehercen, from Middle French rehercier “to repeat,” equivalent to re- “again, over and over” + hercier “to strike, harrow” (derivative of herce, herse “a harrow”); re-, hearse

Word History and Origins

Origin of rehearse¹

C16: from Anglo-Norman rehearser , from Old French rehercier to harrow a second time, from re- + herce harrow

Synonym Study

See relate.

Example Sentences

You’re a professional and you got to know your lines and rehearse and practice.

From Washington Post

A second lesson is for authorities to prepare and rehearse a security plan that will separate antagonists.

From Time

I’m going to tell you where we’re rehearsing and then you’ll have to pay me.

From Essence.com

I would be mad, because I couldn’t run and he would keep me at it — music, music, rehearse, rehearse .

From Washington Post

Nicole, who previously appeared so confident that cameras caught her rehearsing victory scenarios out loud, was especially shocked.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• go over
• go through
• hone
• recite
• reenact
• warm up
• work out