<p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object), tried, try·ing.</li><li>to attempt to do or accomplish: Try it before you say it's simple.</li><li>to test the effect or result of (often followed by out): to try a new method; to try a recipe out.</li><li>to endeavor to evaluate by experiment or experience: to try a new field; to try a new book.</li><li>to test the quality, value, fitness, accuracy, etc., of: Will you try a spoonful of this and tell me what you think of it?</li><li>Law. to examine and determine judicially, as a cause; determine judicially the guilt or innocence of (a person).</li><li>to put to a severe test; subject to strain, as of endurance, patience, affliction, or trouble; tax: to try one's patience.</li><li>to attempt to open (a door, window, etc.) in order to find out whether it is locked: Try all the doors before leaving.</li><li>to melt down (fat, blubber, etc.) to obtain the oil; render (usually followed by out).</li><li>Archaic. to determine the truth or right of (a quarrel or question) by test or battle (sometimes followed by out).</li><li>to find to be right by test or experience.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object), tried, try·ing.</li><li>to make an attempt or effort; strive: Try to complete the examination.</li><li>Nautical. to lie to in heavy weather under just sufficient sail to head into the wind.</li></ul><p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>(plural tries).</li><li>an attempt or effort: to have a try at something.</li><li>Rugby. a score of three points earned by advancing the ball to or beyond the opponents' goal line.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb Phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to put on an article of clothing in order to judge its appearance and fit: You can't really tell how it will look until you try it on.</li><li>to compete for (a position, membership, etc.): Over a hundred boys came to try out for the football team.</li><li>to use experimentally; test: to try out a new car.</li></ul>