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Definition of rehearse

rehearse

/rɪˈhɜːrs/
re · hearse

Adjective:rehearsed
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Past Simple:rehearsed
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Past Participle:rehearsed
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Present Participle:rehearsing
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rehearse Lexical Profile

rehearse Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To practice a play, piece of music, speech, or other work for later public performance.

Example

"The symphony orchestra will rehearse the new concerto three times before opening night."


2

To supervise or train a performer or group by making them practice a work before a performance.

Example

"The director spent the entire afternoon rehearsing the cast in the complex second-act finale."


3

To state, list, or recount a series of points, arguments, or events in detail, especially ones that have been repeated many times before.

Example

"The committee report thoroughly rehearsed the familiar objections to the proposed tax reform."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for rehearse

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Anglo-Norman and Old French 'rehercer' (literally 'to rake over the ground again'), formed from 're-' (again) and 'hercier' (to harrow), from 'herce' (a harrow), ultimately from Latin 'hirpex' (a large rake).

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Rehearse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/rehearse
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