tryout

[trahy-out]

noun

1. a trial or test to ascertain fitness for some purpose.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of tryout¹

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

Example Sentences

Former Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker will attend a tryout forthe New Orleans Saints on Tuesday, the team has confirmed with The Times.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For some reason, though, my performance today is like my baseball tryout—slow, sloppy, and hard to watch.

Read more on Literature

“The Queen of Versailles” has grown tighter since its tryout last summer at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre, but it’s still an unwieldy operation despite the impeccable showmanship of Michael Arden’s direction.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hayes said he had hopes of representing the United States, but USA Basketball does not have open tryouts for senior national teams.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

To revive his career, he joins open tryouts for a struggling college-football squad, disguising himself and changing his name to Chad Powers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• audition 
• examination