dry run

noun

1. a rehearsal or practice exercise.
2. Military. practice in firing arms without using live ammunition.

dry run

noun

1. military practice in weapon firing, a drill, or a manoeuvre without using live ammunition
2. informal.
   a trial or practice, esp in simulated conditions; rehearsal

Other Words From

• dry-run adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dry run¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

A trial exercise or rehearsal, as in Regard this as a dry run for tonight's ceremony . This term, using dry in the sense of “unproductive,” was at first employed mainly in the military for simulated bombings in which no bombs were dropped. [c. 1940]

Example Sentences

A series of parcel fires targeting courier companies in Poland, Germany and the UK were dry runs aimed at sabotaging flights to the US and Canada, Polish prosecutors say.

From BBC

Much of the build-up to both of England's recent games against New Zealand was if it was a dry run for next year's Rugby World Cup final.

From BBC

Officers had acted on intelligence and tracked the movements of two previous shipments in the lead-up to the seizure which officers described as "dry runs".

From BBC

This isn’t necessary for everyone, but if a child is worried about how they’ll get to campus or where to find a bathroom, a dry run may allay their concerns.

From Los Angeles Times

They had a dry run together on July 13 when they covered the attempted assassination of former President Trump at a rally in Butler, Pa.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• dress rehearsal
• tryout