audition

[ aw-dish-uhn ]

noun

1. a trial hearing given to a singer, actor, or other performer to test suitability for employment, professional training or competition, etc.
2. a reading or other simplified rendering of a theatrical work, performed before a potential backer, producer, etc.
3. the act, sense, or power of hearing.
4. something that is heard.

verb (used with or without object)

1. to try or compete in an audition:

   to audition aspiring actors; to audition for the leading role.

audition

/ ɔːˈdɪʃən /

noun

1. a test at which a performer or musician is asked to demonstrate his ability for a particular role, etc
2. the act, sense, or power of hearing

verb

1. to judge by means of or be tested in an audition

Other Words From

• au·dition·er noun
• reau·dition noun
• unau·ditioned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of audition¹

1590–1600; (< Middle French ) < Latin audītiōn- (stem of audītiō hearing). See auditive, -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of audition¹

C16: from Latin audītiō a hearing, from audīre to hear

Example Sentences

I was presented an opportunity to audition to be a writer, but I was like, “I want to be an actor,” so I was resistant.

From Los Angeles Times

“When I started on the show, I was a 12-year-old kid who wanted an audition and wanted to get the job so my parents would give me a Sega Genesis,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

I think he saw the vulnerability and the experiences that I’d already had when I walked into the room for an audition.

From Los Angeles Times

In 1989, at the age of 21, while preparing for an audition for “The Godfather Part III,” she was shot to death on her doorstep by Robert John Bardo, who had been stalking her.

From New York Times

I had got to a point where I was getting in a monotonous routine of auditioning, stand-up, podcasting, and waiting to be on people’s stuff.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demo
• tryout