rehearsal

noun

re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
Synonyms of rehearsalnext
1
: something recounted or told again : recital
2
a
: a private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance
b
: a practice exercise : trial

Synonyms of rehearsal

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Examples of rehearsal in a Sentence

She was 15 minutes late to rehearsal. There are only three more rehearsals before the concert.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
North Korea has long condemned such joint exercises as rehearsals for invasion. — Reuters, USA Today, 24 Aug. 2026 Washington and Seoul say their drills are defensive in nature, but North Korea calls them an invasion rehearsal and often reacts with weapons tests. — Hyung-Jin Kim, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Not long into rehearsal, Fairchild saw that Williams’ unique talent caused the series to operate a little differently. — Rance Collins, Entertainment Weekly, 20 Aug. 2026 Baum und Pferdgarten’s collection was inspired by what dancers wear offstage between rehearsals and classes. — Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 19 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rehearsal

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rehearsal was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing rehearsal

Rhymes for rehearsal

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Browse Nearby Words

rehearing
rehearsal
rehearsal dinner
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Cite this Entry

“Rehearsal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rehearsal. Accessed 29 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rehearsal

noun
re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
1
: a private performance or practice session in preparation for a public appearance
2
: a practice exercise : trial

Medical Definition

rehearsal

noun
re·​hears·​al ri-ˈhər-səl How to pronounce rehearsal (audio)
1
: a method for improving memory by mentally or verbally repeating over and over the information to be remembered
2
: the repeated mental review of a desired action or behavioral response
preoperative rehearsal of coping imagery to reduce anxiety
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