Try | Mean of try in English Dictionary

/ˈtraɪ/

• Verb
• to make an effort to do something
1. I don't know if I can do it, but I'll try.
2. Keep trying. You can do it.
3. You can do it if you try hard enough.
4. “He said he can beat you.” “I'd like to see him try!”
5. I tried, but I just couldn't do it.
6. “She's not in the office now.” “OK. I'll try again later.”
7. If you don't succeed the first time, try, (and) try again.
8. He still hasn't found a job, but it is not for lack/want of trying. [=he has been trying to find a job but he has not found one]
9. I tried my best/hardest [=I tried very hard, I did everything that I could do], but I just couldn't do it.
10. He tried to move the sofa by himself.
11. Please try not to make any noise.
12. I was only trying to help!
13. You should try to exercise more.
14. Try and relax.
15. Try and think of another example.
• to do or use (something) in order to see if it works or will be successful
1. I don't know where she is. Try calling her on her cell phone.
2. Try her cell phone.
3. He tried a few things to remove the stain, but nothing worked.
4. Try (pressing) that button.
5. Did you try restarting the computer?
6. If you want to lose weight, try exercising more.
7. She tried a karate move on him.
8. He tried the switch, and the lights flickered on.
9. I tried (opening) the door, but it was locked.
10. No, we don't sell those. Try the store across the street.
11. I tried several hotels, but there were no rooms available.
12. If you can't solve the problem, you should try out a different approach.
• to do or use (something) in order to find out if you like it
1. He never wants to try anything new.
2. I tried skiing for the first time last winter.
3. Have you ever tried teaching?
4. He decided to try the car out.
5. She has tried out many different jobs but can't find one she likes.

• to taste (food or drink) to find out what it is like
1. You should try the cake. It's excellent.
2. “Would you like to try some caviar?” “Sure—I'll try anything once.”
3. Try a little bite.
• to test how good, strong, etc., something or someone is
1. “These are the times that try men's souls.” Thomas Paine, “The Crisis” (1776)
2. “Oh, you probably don't know the answer!” “Try me.” [=ask me the question]
3. You are trying my patience. [=you are making me lose my patience and become angry]
• to examine and make a decision about (a legal case)
1. The case was tried in a federal court.
• to have a trial to decide if someone is innocent or guilty
1. He was tried for murder. [=he was put on trial for murder]
• to make an attempt or effort to get (something)
1. You've already won $100. Do you want to try for more?
2. He tried for second place but finished third instead.
3. She tried for the job and got it.
4. They have been trying for a baby [=trying to have a baby] for several years.
• to behave badly so that someone becomes annoyed or angry
1. Don't take any notice of him—he's only trying it on with you.
• to try to start a sexual relationship with someone
1. He tried it on with a girl at the pub.
• to put on (a piece of clothing, a pair of shoes, etc.) in order to see how it fits and looks
1. This is the fifth dress you've tried on.
2. Try this shoe on for size. [=put on this shoe to see if it is the correct size]
• to compete for a position on an athletic team or a part in a play
1. She tried out [=auditioned] and got the lead role.
2. He tried out for the golf team.
• Noun
• an effort or attempt to do something
1. I doubt it will work, but it's worth a try.
2. Nice try. I'm sure you'll do better next time.
3. “I can't open this jar.” “Let me have a try at it.” [=let me try to open it]
4. You should give skydiving a try.
5. (US, old-fashioned) We can win this game if we give it the old college try! [=if we give our very best effort and try very hard to win]
• a play in which points are scored by touching the ground with the ball behind the opponent's goal line
1. He scored a try.