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

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

She’d just filmed her first professional job — playing Queen Latifah’s niece in “Barbershop 2,” a role she auditioned for at an open call in Chicago — and MGM invited her to the Hollywood premiere.

From Los Angeles Times

While studying, she often travelled between London and Norwich for acting classes and auditions.

From BBC

“It was disarmingly friendly, like the voice you’d expect from a stranger who offered to carry your grandmother’s groceries. The second I heard it, I knew we weren’t going to be auditioning anyone else.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• demo
• tryout