Practice definition

Noun

Repetition of an activity to improve skill.

He will need lots of practice with those lines before he performs them.
The ongoing pursuit of a craft or profession, particularly in medicine or the fine arts.

She ran a thriving medical practice.
The observance of religious duties which a Church requires of its members.
A customary action, habit, or behavior; a manner or routine.

It is the usual practice of employees there to wear neckties only when meeting with customers.

It is good practice to check each door and window before leaving.
Actual operation or experiment, in contrast to theory.

That may work in theory, but will it work in practice?

Usage notes

British, Canadian and Australian English distinguish between practice (a noun) and practise (a verb), analogously with advice/advise. In American English, practice is commonly used for both forms.

Synonyms

rehearsal, drill, exercise, training, workout custom, habit, routine, wont

Verb

To repeat (an activity) as a way of improving one's skill in that activity.

You should practice playing piano every day.
To repeat an activity in this way.

If you want to speak French well, you need to practice.
To perform or observe in a habitual fashion.

They gather to practice religion every Saturday.
To pursue (a career, especially law, fine art or medicine).

She practiced law for forty years before retiring.
To conspire.

Usage notes

In sense "to repeat an activity as a way improving one's skill" this is a catenative verb that takes the gerund (-ing). See Appendix:English catenative verbs