tryout

[ trahy-out ]

/ ˈtraɪˌaʊt /

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See synonyms for tryout on Thesaurus.com

noun

a trial or test to ascertain fitness for some purpose.

Theater. performances of a play in preparation for an official opening, often taking place away from a major theatrical center.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of tryout

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05; noun use of verb phrase try out

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use tryout in a sentence

It'll only buzz during "coaching" sessions that users voluntarily try out to help them build a habit of good posture.
Lumo Lift Vibrates You Into Better Posture|Gregory Ferenstein|August 26, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Fashion icons still to this day use the sands to try out new styles.
The Girl From Ipanema Is Not Alone: Rio’s Famous Beach Is A Rich, Cultural Kaleidoscope|Brandon Presser|June 23, 2014|DAILY BEAST
In 1963, author George Plimpton attempted to try out for the Detroit Lions as a third-string quarterback.
7 Great Football Flicks From Horse Feathers to Friday Night Lights|The Daily Beast|January 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
You (or someone in your crew) will want to try out the ice-skating rink at Rockefeller Center.
The Untouristy Guide to the Holidays in New York|Condé Nast Traveler|December 11, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Be sure to try out several instructors before settling on one (or more) to frequent.
Five Smarter Ways to Train Your Heart|DailyBurn|December 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I rather wanted to try out my theory to see if I had become an adept in dodging into the bedroom.
My Wonderful Visit|Charlie Chaplin
"I've helped to 'try out' one hundred and fifty bar'ls from one whale," said the mincer.
Belford's Magazine, Vol. II, No. 3, February 1889|Various
They kept the date of the try-out to themselves until the last to prevent the Sans from fixing things for their freshman friends.
Marjorie Dean College Freshman|Pauline Lester
Wont you and Miss Harding please enter the lists again, when we have the new try-out?
Marjorie Dean College Freshman|Pauline Lester
Miss Reid determined, therefore, to resign, but without appointing a time for a new try-out.
Marjorie Dean College Freshman|Pauline Lester

British Dictionary definitions for tryout

try out

verb (adverb)

(tr) to test or put to experimental useI'm going to try the new car out

(when intr, usually foll by for) US and Canadian (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 tryout

mainly US and Canadian a trial or test, as of an athlete or actor

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with tryout

try out

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]