try

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noun [countable] American English pronunciation: try

/traɪ/

singular	try
plural	tries

Related dictionary definitions

more dictionary definitions

1
an attempt to do something
It was a good try, but it missed the goal.
first/second etc. try (=at the first/second etc. attempt):
Charlie passed the driver’s test on his first try.
be worth a try:
There are no guarantees it will work, but it’s worth a try.
give something a try:
“I can’t lift it.” “Here, let me give it a try.”
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try
2
if a rugby player scores a try, they touch the ground behind the goal line with the ball and score points
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try

phrases

give someone a try
1. 1
  to talk to someone because they might be able to help you or to give you information
  That woman looks like a local – give her a try.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try
2. 2
  to give someone an opportunity to do something
  If you give me a try, I’ll work really hard.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try
give something a try
1. 1
  to do something in order to find out what happens or to find out whether something is good, appropriate, effective etc.
  Tony’s planning to give skiing a try this winter.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try
2. 2
  to go to a particular place hoping to find someone or something
  Why not give the library a try? He’s usually there on Tuesdays.
  Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try
nice/good try
spoken
used for saying that someone has not been successful in doing something, especially in persuading you or in tricking you
Nice try, but do you really think I would believe that?
Thesaurus entry for this meaning of try

This is the American English definition of try. View British English definition of try.

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