What does "audition" mean?

1. (performer's trial) a short performance that an actor, singer, or dancer gives to show they are good enough for a job. 2. (the sense of hearing) the physical ability or act of hearing sounds. 3. (to perform for a role) to give a short performance to try and get a job in a play or show. 4. (to judge a performer) to watch or listen to a performer to decide if they are right for a job.

How do you use "audition"?

In modern English, this sense is almost exclusively found in medical or psychological contexts. Often used with the preposition 'for'.

audition

n. · v.

US //ɑˈdɪʃən// UK //ɔːdˈɪʃən// au·di·tion

1 performer's trial (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

a short performance that an actor, singer, or dancer gives to show they are good enough for a job.

a trial performance given by an entertainer to demonstrate suitability for a role or position.

Example

She was very nervous before her audition for the lead role in the school play.

Example

The director scheduled a second audition for the three finalists to see how their voices blended in a trio.
- tryout
- screen test
2 the sense of hearing (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Medicine

the physical ability or act of hearing sounds.

the faculty or sense of hearing; the physiological process of perceiving sound.

Example

The doctor tested the patient's audition to see if the inner ear was damaged.

Example

The research paper explores how spatial audition allows humans to locate sound sources in complex environments.

Usage

In modern English, this sense is almost exclusively found in medical or psychological contexts.
- hearing
- perception

Show 2 more sensesShow fewer

3 to perform for a role (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

to give a short performance to try and get a job in a play or show.

to perform in an audition as an applicant for a role or position.

Example

He is going to audition for a part in a new television commercial tomorrow.

Example

Hundreds of hopeful young actors queued outside the studio to audition for the upcoming musical.

Usage

Often used with the preposition 'for'.
- try out
4 to judge a performer (v.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

to watch or listen to a performer to decide if they are right for a job.

to conduct an audition of a performer; to evaluate a candidate's suitability through a trial performance.

Example

The band spent the whole afternoon auditioning new drummers.

Example

The casting agency has been auditioning talent for three weeks but has yet to find the right lead.

Origin

Borrowed from Middle French audicion, from Latin audītiō, from audiō (“I hear”).