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

Typically, auditions are held in the spring, and cheerleaders spend the summer rehearsing.

From Washington Post

One of the first things we learn about her is that she’s resisted pressure, in auditions, to agree to nudity and simulated sex.

From Time

In the character breakdown on the audition sheet, it said he enjoys doing impressions with his friends and he’s a big comedy nerd, which was me to a T at the time.

From Washington Post

Still, Figaredo says he’s had little success with television casting auditions since transitioning in 2010.

From Washington Blade

In addition to posting basic notices for talent, casting professionals can collect self-tape auditions directly through a centralized platform, and they message directly with talent as well.

From Digiday

My agent at the time sent that tape to SNL and then they asked me to come in for an audition.

From The Daily Beast

I went into the audition as Fericito, the Venezuelan percussionist, and then I did a self-defense expert.

From The Daily Beast

So by failing, I go audition for Any Given Sunday [and] things turn out right.

From The Daily Beast

A few years back, Belle and Sebastian even penned a song, “Suicide Girl,” about a woman trying to audition to be one.

From The Daily Beast

Alan just happened to be in New York auditioning people, and I got in the room to audition for the first time.

From The Daily Beast

When I went to the opera for my hearing or audition, Gounod went with me and we sang the duets together.

From Project Gutenberg

With such a letter or such an introduction, arrange for an audition at the headquarters in New York.

From Project Gutenberg

The neglect of his powers of audition will cause him to rely absolutely on his powers of visualizing the written form.

From Project Gutenberg

This showed conclusively that the organs of audition were not located in the antennæ, as Will supposed and as Lubbock advocates.

From Project Gutenberg

In this reaction to a visual stimulus there appeared good material for testing audition.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• demo
• tryout