screen test

¹ American  

noun

1. a filmed audition to determine the suitability of an individual for appearing or acting in a motion picture.

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screen-test ² American  

[skreen-test] / ˈskrinˌtɛst /

verb (used with object)

1. to give a screen test to.

   The studio screen-tested 400 children before casting the part.

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verb (used without object)

1. to undergo a screen test.

   Dozens of actors have screen-tested for the role.

screen test British  

noun

1. a filmed audition of a prospective actor or actress to test suitability

2. the test film so made

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Etymology

Origin of screen test¹

First recorded in 1920–25

Origin of screen-test²

First recorded in 1965–70; v. use of noun phrase screen test

Example Sentences

Paul Monash, the producer of “Slaughterhouse-Five,” which was based on Kurt Vonnegut’s acclaimed novel about World War II and time travel, directed the screen test.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

I loved it and I gravitated towards it, was so happy to be cast in it, went out to LA to screen test for it a few times and ended up making the movie.

From Salon • Jan. 21, 2025

Then, after finishing “The Order,” he immediately shot a screen test for the role of Lex Luthor in the upcoming “Superman” reboot before heading right into shooting Clint Eastwood’s “Juror #2”

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 27, 2024

For how many hours did he stare into the mirror, practicing that defiant look, like a fading movie star preparing for a screen test?

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2023

“Say, could you get me a screen test with Warner Brothers?”

From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm