WordGarden.iopremiere
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /prˌɛmiˈeə/
US
- /prɛˈmɪr/
Meanings
Noun
the first public showing or performance of a film, show, or other work
Verb
to show, air, or perform something publicly for the first time
Adjective
serving as the first or opening episode, performance, or release
Beyond the definition
Imagine a red carpet, flashing cameras, and people waiting for something new to begin. That is often the scene at a premiere. A premiere is the first official public showing or performance of something, most often a film, play, TV show, or piece of music. It can be a big public event, but it can also happen in a quiet theater or concert hall. The word can also be used as a verb: a new series might premiere on Friday. Think of it as the moment a new work meets the public for the first time.
The word "premiere" comes from French, meaning "first." Originally, it referred specifically to the first performance of a play or opera—a special event marking its official introduction to an audience. Today, while still strongly associated with film and theater (think Hollywood premieres!), the term has broadened in scope.
A premiere signifies the very first public showing, performance, or broadcast of something new. This could be a movie, a theatrical production, a television series, a musical composition, or another creative work being presented to an audience for the first time. It is more than just a regular showing because it marks the official beginning of that work's public life, and it is often used for events meant to draw attention and build excitement.
You might read about the "world premiere" of a film at a prestigious festival like Cannes or Sundance—meaning that it is the very first time anyone has seen it publicly. A "local premiere" would be its first showing in a specific city or region. While usually a noun, "premiere" is also frequently used as a verb, as in: "The new fantasy series will premiere on streaming platforms this Friday." Figuratively, the term can describe the debut of other creative endeavors, such as the premiere of a designer's new fashion collection.
So, whether you're walking the red carpet or simply witnessing the launch of something innovative, a premiere marks the exciting beginning of a public journey—the moment when a work is finally unveiled for all to experience.
Examples
- 1
Movie event
We saw the movie at its premiere in New York.
- 2
Red carpet
Several actors walked the red carpet before the premiere.
- 3
Festival debut
The film premiered at Sundance last year.
- Patternpremiere at + event/place
first appear at that event or place
- 4
Broadcast debut
The documentary premieres on PBS tonight.
- Patternpremiere on + channel/service
first appear on that channel or streaming service
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
New song
The band premiered a new song during the concert.
- 6
TV episode
The season premiere ended with a surprise.
- Phraseseason premiere
first episode of a new season
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- premierenounverbadjective
Forms
- premieredpast tenseverbnounadjective
- premierespluralnounverbadjective
- premiering-ing formverbnounadjective