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try out

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try out (for something)

to audition for a part in some performance or other activity requiring skill. I intend to try out for the play. I'm going to try out, too.

See also: out, try

try someone or something out

to test someone or something for a while; to sample the performance of someone or something. We will try her out in the editorial department and see how she does. We will try out this employee in another department for a while.

See also: out, try

try out (for something)

to compete for something Jim tried out for the school play.

Usage notes: usually said about competing to play on a team or perform in a show

See also: out, try

try out

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

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

See also: out, try

try out

v.

1. To undergo a competitive qualifying test, as for a job or athletic team: Thirty students tried out for the soccer team, but only twenty were chosen.

2. To test or use something experimentally: Have you tried out the new automated banking system yet? I tried a new brand of toothpaste out, and I really like it.

See also: out, try