English Reference
verb · noun

rehearsing

v. · n.
US /ɹɪˈhɝsɪŋ/ UK /ɹɪhˈɜːsɪŋ/ re·hears·ing

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    v.practicing a play, dance, or piece of music to prepare for a public performance.

    v.practicing a performing arts piece systematically in preparation for public presentation.

    Simple

    The band spent all afternoon rehearsing their new songs for the concert.

    In context

    The cast spent six weeks rehearsing the complex choreography before the director felt they were ready for the opening night preview.

    practicingpreparingrunning through
  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.saying or going over something in your mind so you do not forget it.

    v.mentally or vocally repeating information to ensure retention or to prepare for a specific interaction.

    Simple

    I kept rehearsing my speech in the shower so I wouldn't be nervous.

    In context

    She sat in the waiting room silently rehearsing her answers to the potential interview questions she had researched earlier.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Formal Theatre

    n.the activity of practicing for a performance.

    n.the gerundial use of the verb to describe the ongoing process of preparation for a performance.

    Simple

    Hours of rehearsing finally paid off when the show was a success.

    In context

    The constant rehearsing had exhausted the choir, yet their technical precision improved noticeably with every session.

Ashton (Ross Gaynor) and Reece (Ian Toner) may be the last men on Earth; they spend their time rehearsing the same stories, sometimes singing and, ultimately, waiting.

The Guardian· 27 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated