rehearsal

American  

[ri-hur-suhl] / rɪˈhɜr səl /

noun

1. a session of exercise, drill, or practice, usually private, in preparation for a public performance, ceremony, etc..

   a play rehearsal; a wedding rehearsal.

2. the act of rehearsing.

3. a repeating or relating.

   a rehearsal of grievances.

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rehearsal British  

/ rɪˈhɜːsəl /

noun

1. a session of practising a play, concert, speech etc, in preparation for public performance

2. the act of going through or recounting; recital

   rehearsal of his own virtues was his usual occupation

3. being prepared for public performance

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Other Word Forms

• prerehearsal adjective

Etymology

Origin of rehearsal

First recorded in 1350–1400, rehearsal is from the Middle English word rehersaille. See rehearse, -al ²

Example Sentences

Plenkovic, considered a moderate, attended Thompson's rehearsal and posted a selfie with the singer.

From Barron's

When I interviewed Stoppard at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater during rehearsals for his play “The Hard Problem,” he told me that he didn’t think he ever spent more than half an hour on research.

From Los Angeles Times

A previous dress rehearsal highlighted the need for a new traffic light at a specific location to alleviate gridlock when military convoys move across the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

But with these new funds, the instruction and rehearsal time will stay fully operational, and the previously laid-off staff will be reinstated for the remainder of the program.

From Los Angeles Times

He had practiced his speech enough times that he thought he could get through it without crying — although during his rehearsals he had never yet managed it.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• drill
• practice session
• reading
• recital
• tryout
• workout