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.
Bishop Martha Mary Sherman, left, carries a crucifix and stand while priests Linda Wilcox, center, and Mary Smith carry other items for a rehearsal for Annie Girresch’s ordination. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 To prepare for the performance, Okatsuka studied the choreography at home before meeting with the Rams cheerleaders to run the routine at their weekly rehearsals. — Angelique Jackson, Variety, 18 Oct. 2026 Some of the film’s situations emerged out of rehearsal improv. — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 15 Oct. 2026 Launch campaigns for new rockets often take months before a first flight, involving multiple integrated fueling tests, countdown rehearsals, and a static fire. — Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Oct. 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 20 Oct. 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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