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

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

"But I went in guns blazing and it was so fun. I'd love to do the audition process again."

From BBC

It all makes for an interesting 'audition' for some players in this squad.

From BBC

Jamison began dancing for the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in 1965, a year after meeting the company’s namesake at a fruitless television audition.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demo
• tryout