rehearse
[ ri-hurs ]
/ rɪˈhɜrs /
verb (used with object), re·hearsed, re·hears·ing.
to practice (a musical composition, a play, a speech, etc.) in private prior to a public presentation.
to drill or train (an actor, musician, etc.) by rehearsal, as for some performance or part.
to relate the facts or particulars of; recount.
verb (used without object), re·hearsed, re·hears·ing.
to rehearse a play, part, etc.; participate in a rehearsal.
Nearby words
Origin of rehearse
SYNONYMS FOR rehearse
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for rehearse
rehearse
/ (rɪˈhɜːs) /
verb
to practise (a play, concert, etc), in preparation for public performance
(tr) to run through; recount; recitethe official rehearsed the grievances of the committee
(tr) to train or drill (a person or animal) for the public performance of a part in a play, show, etc
Derived Formsrehearser, noun
Word Origin for rehearse
C16: from Anglo-Norman rehearser, from Old French rehercier to harrow a second time, from re- + herce harrow
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for rehearse
rehearse
c.1300, "to give an account of," from Anglo-French rehearser, Old French rehercier "to go over again, repeat," literally "to rake over, turn over" (soil, ground), from re- "again" (see re-) + hercier "to rake, harrow" (see hearse). Meaning "to say over again, repeat what has already been said or written" is from mid-14c.; sense of "practice a play, part, etc." is from 1570s. Related: Rehearsed; rehearsing.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper