rehearsal
rih-HURSL
Rehearsal (noun) means a practice session for a performance, to prepare before it happens in front of an audience. Example: “The band held one last rehearsal before opening night.”
noun
1
A practice session for a performance, to prepare before it happens in front of an audience.
"The band held one last rehearsal before opening night."
"We have a dress rehearsal tomorrow, so please arrive in costume."
"After three rehearsals, the actors finally knew all their lines."
How to use rehearsal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA practice run of a play, concert, speech, or similar event.
Common pairings
dress rehearsal
rehearsal room
wedding rehearsal
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Word forms
- Plural
- rehearsals
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The band held one last _____ before opening night.
Etymology
From Middle English rehercel, related to rehearse plus the suffix -al.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “rehearsal” mean?
The word “rehearsal” means a practice session for a performance, to prepare before it happens in front of an audience. In plain terms, a practice run of a play, concert, speech, or similar event.
How do you pronounce “rehearsal”?
“Rehearsal” is pronounced rih-HURSL (/ɹɪˈhɝsl̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “rehearsal” in a sentence?
Here is “rehearsal” used in a sentence: “The band held one last rehearsal before opening night.”
What is the opposite of “rehearsal”?
The opposite of “rehearsal” — its antonyms — is nonrehearsal.
What part of speech is “rehearsal”?
“Rehearsal” is a noun.
Where does the word “rehearsal” come from?
The word “rehearsal” comes from Middle English. From Middle English rehercel, related to rehearse plus the suffix -al.
Is “rehearsal” a common word?
“Rehearsal” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
What is the difference between a rehearsal and a dress rehearsal?
A rehearsal is any practice session held to prepare for a performance before it happens in front of an audience. A dress rehearsal is a specific, final rehearsal that takes place in full costume and with all technical elements, run exactly as the actual performance will be, to catch any last problems.
How many rehearsals are typically needed before a performance?
The number of rehearsals needed varies widely depending on the complexity of the performance, the experience of those involved, and the type of production, ranging from a single run-through for a simple event to dozens of sessions for a large theatrical or musical production.
What is the difference between a rehearsal and a run-through?
A rehearsal is the general term for any practice session preparing for a performance, while a run-through specifically means performing the entire piece from start to finish without stopping, usually to check pacing and flow rather than to work on individual sections.
