1 A2 neutral
To test or use something for the first time to see if it works or if you like it.
"He tried out the new coffee machine on his first morning in the office."
separable
try out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To test something to see how well it works, or to participate in a trial to see if you are good enough for a team or role.
In plain English
To use or do something for the first time to see if you like it or if it works, or to audition for a team.
What does "try out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To participate in an audition or trial to see if you are good enough to join a team, show, or group.
"Over two hundred students tried out for the school musical."
inseparable
3 B1 neutral
To use or practise a new skill, language, or technique in a real situation.
"I'm going to France next week — I can't wait to try out my French."
separable
Usage tip
Very common in everyday English. Has two main uses: (1) testing a product, idea, or method, and (2) auditioning or competing for a place on a sports team or in a performance. In the sports/performance sense, it is often intransitive followed by 'for': 'she tried out for the team'.
Words that pair with "try out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
recipe idea product team role method
How to conjugate "try out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
try out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tries out
he/she/it
Past simple
tried out
yesterday
Past participle
tried out
have + pp
-ing form
trying out
continuous
Hear "try out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "try out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "try out"
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Keep exploring
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