WordGarden.iotryout
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /trˈaɪaʊt/
US
- /ˈtraɪˌaʊt/
Meanings
Noun
a selection session where athletes compete for a place on a team
an audition or trial performance for a role or performing group
a trial use or test run to see how well something works
Beyond the definition
A tryout is a chance to show what you can do so that someone can decide whether to choose you. It is used most often in sports and performing arts, where people hope to win a place on a team, in a show, or in a group. If someone says they have a tryout, it usually means they will perform, practice, or go through a set of tasks while others watch and judge their ability.
Think of a basketball player doing drills at an open session for a team, or an actor reading lines for a director. In both cases, the person is being watched closely and hopes to make a strong impression. A good result means they may be chosen for the role or place they want.
The word "tryout" refers to a practical test or audition in which someone shows their skills so that others can judge whether they are suitable for a role, team, or group. It is not just about saying you can do something; it is about showing it while being watched. The word is most commonly used in sports and performing arts, such as basketball tryouts, soccer tryouts, or a tryout for a play, musical, or dance group.
The idea often includes competition because there may be many people hoping for only a few places. During the event, people may do drills, read lines, sing, dance, or complete other tasks that help judges compare them. A successful tryout can lead to being selected, invited back, or offered a place.
You might hear sentences like "She has a tryout for the school team tomorrow" or "He did well at the theater tryout." In these examples, the word names the event itself, not the general act of testing something. That matters because the related phrase "try out" is broader and can mean testing a product, an idea, or a recipe, while "tryout" usually points to a judged performance or selection process for people.
So when you picture this word, think of a moment when someone steps forward to prove they are ready. It can feel exciting, stressful, and full of hope, because it is a real chance to earn a place.
Examples
- 1
Basketball
I'm going to basketball tryouts after school.
- 2
Theater auditions
The theater is holding tryouts for its summer show next Saturday.
- 3
Open event
More than sixty players showed up for the open tryout.
- Phraseopen tryout
one that anyone can attend
- 4
Team selection
She was nervous during tryouts, but she still made the team.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Job trial
After a two-week tryout, the restaurant offered him a full-time job.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- screen test
- selection trial
- open call
Contrast
- final selection
- appointment
Used with (collocations)
- hold tryouts
- tryout for the team
- basketball tryouts
- dance tryout
Word family
- try out
Explore
- selection process
- callback
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- tryoutnoun