try out

verb

1. (tr) to test or put to experimental use

   I'm going to try the new car out

2. (of an athlete, actor, etc) to undergo a test or to submit (an athlete, actor, etc) to a test to determine suitability for a place in a team, an acting role, etc

noun

1. a trial or test, as of an athlete or actor

Idioms and Phrases

Undergo a qualifying test, as for an athletic team. For example, I'm trying out for the basketball team . [Mid-1900s]

Test or use experimentally, as in They're trying out new diesels , or We're trying out this new margarine . [Late 1800s]

Example Sentences

He was eligible for reinstatement Nov. 11 but had been permitted to try out and sign with a team before that.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He tried out three candidates and eventually chose Kahn.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“I went from so-and-so to so-and-so, trying out studios, making promises I couldn’t keep. But all that stuff over the weeks just kind of flaked away.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“The Bard of Ashton Place,” Beowulf said, trying out the title.

Read more on Literature

At last she could try out her new fountain pen!

Read more on Literature

Related Words

• experiment 
• testing www.thesaurus.com
• trial and error