to make an effort to do something, even if it may be difficult
She tried to open the heavy door, but it would not move.
I will try to finish my homework before dinner.
✦ From Old French ‘trier’ meaning ‘to pick out, sift’, later ‘test’.
an act of trying to do something
Give the puzzle another try; you might solve it this time.
His first try at baking bread turned out great.
to taste, use, or experience something briefly to find out what it is like
Would you like to try this new apple pie recipe?
He tried the headphones before buying them.
to test something to see if it works well or to see what will happen
The company will try a new marketing strategy next month.
Scientists tried a different chemical to speed up the reaction.
to examine evidence in a court and decide whether someone is guilty of a crime
The judge will try the accused next week.
High-profile cases are often tried by experienced judges.
in rugby, a score made by grounding the ball behind the opponents’ goal line
She dived over the line to score a try in the final minute.
The team celebrated after his second try of the match.
✦ Rugby sense first recorded in the 1840s; originally a ‘try at goal’, meaning the chance to kick for extra points.
