What does "dry run" mean?

A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present.

What is a synonym for "dry run"?

Common synonyms include: action, air cover, air raid, air support, amphibious operations, audition.

noun

noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A practice or rehearsal; especially, one that goes through all the motions of a physical process but without the raw material or workpiece present. idiomatic
"They did a dry run of the demonstration before showing it to the CEO."
2
a practice session in preparation for a public performance (as of a play or speech or concert) wordnet

"They did a dry run of the demonstration before showing it to the CEO."

From dry (“impotent; harmless”) + run. First attested in print in 1941, but apparently much older in spoken English.