# rehearsal

/ɹiˈhɝsəɫ/ (US) · /ɹɪhˈɜːsəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rehearsal
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. performance practice

noun · CEFR B1

a time when actors, musicians, or dancers practice a show before the real performance.

For teachers: a session in which a play, concert, or other performance is practised in its entirety to ensure coordination and technical readiness.

- The band had a final rehearsal the night before their big concert.
- The director called for an additional dress rehearsal to ensure that the complex lighting cues were perfectly synchronised with the actors' movements.

Usage: Often used with the verbs 'have', 'hold', or 'attend'.

### 2. preparatory activity

noun · CEFR B2

practicing a speech or a difficult conversation before it actually happens.

For teachers: a preparatory exercise or mental practice intended to simulate a future event or social interaction.

- She did a quick rehearsal of her presentation in front of the mirror.
- Mental rehearsal is a common technique used by athletes to visualise successful performance before the actual competition begins.

## Examples

- The band has a long rehearsal tonight before the big show.
- After three weeks of intense rehearsal, the actors finally felt confident enough to perform without their scripts.
- The director insisted on a full dress rehearsal to ensure that the lighting cues and costume changes were perfectly synchronized with the musical score.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.