Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A test to ascertain the qualifications of applicants, as for an athletic team or theatrical role.
  • noun An experimental performance of a play before its official opening.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • transitive verb to use (something not previously used) to determine its fitness for a particular purpose; also, to attempt (a deed) to determine if it will accomplish a particular purpose.
  • intransitive verb to compete for a postition, as on a sports team or in a theatrical presentation.
  • noun a test of the performance capability of a person, to ascertain fitness for a particular task; in sports, a test by which the fitness of a player or contestant to remain in a certain class is determined.
  • noun (Theater) one or more performances of a play prior to the official opening, held at a location outside of the city where it is to be formally presented, conducted for the purpose of determining audience response or ascertaining weaknesses needing correction.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A test of the suitability or effectiveness of a person or thing, especially of a performer (an audition)
  • noun A trial run

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • verb put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to
  • verb perform in order to get a role
  • verb try something new, as in order to gain experience
  • verb take a sample of
  • noun a test of the suitability of a performer
  • noun trying something to find out about it

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Vince McMahon wanted to take a look at me, so I had what they called a tryout with journeyman Black Bart.

    Cross Rhodes Dustin Rhodes 2010

  • Vince McMahon wanted to take a look at me, so I had what they called a tryout with journeyman Black Bart.

    Cross Rhodes Dustin Rhodes 2010

  • Vince McMahon wanted to take a look at me, so I had what they called a tryout with journeyman Black Bart.

    Cross Rhodes Dustin Rhodes 2010

  • Despite an 8.29 ERA in 38 innings, Pickford got a tryout from the Padres and started the season at Triple-A.

    USATODAY.com - Rookie roundup By Pat Coleman, USA TODAY Baseball Weekly Players who made their major league debuts 2002

  • Supporters of other candidates have been wary of asking Sanford to step down because they did not want to give Bauer a long-term tryout for the state's top job.

    USATODAY.com News - Top Stories 2009

  • Supporters of other candidates have been wary of asking Sanford to step down because they did not want to give Bauer a long-term tryout for the state's top job.

    Gaea Times (by Simple Thoughts) Breaking News and incisive views 24/7 2009

  • Supporters of other candidates have been wary of asking Sanford to step down because they did not want to give Bauer a long-term tryout for the state's top job.

    The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com 2009

  • Supporters of other candidates have been wary of asking Sanford to step down because they did not want to give Bauer a long-term tryout for the state's top job.

    unknown title 2009

  • Supporters of other candidates have been wary of asking Sanford to step down because they did not want to give Bauer a long-term tryout for the state's top job.

    The Full Feed from HuffingtonPost.com 2009

  • Supporters of other candidates have been wary of asking Sanford to step down because they did not want to give Bauer a long-term tryout for the state's top job.

    ajc.com - News 2009

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