opening night

noun

1. the first performance of a theatrical attraction, taking place in the evening:

   The audience was full of celebrities on opening night.

Word History and Origins

Origin of opening night¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

So opening night arrives and we literally walk onstage, no idea if it’s going to work.

From Los Angeles Times

There followed punishing defeats by England, France and the Netherlands, with competitive losses to Spain and the Euro 2024 humbling at the hands of the hosts on the opening night in Munich.

From BBC

Talking after the opening night of the show, Collins tells me she thinks her Emily in Paris character, Emily Cooper, would love London.

From BBC

The singer is currently starring in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical “Sunset Boulevard” on Broadway and getting rave reviews, including a six-minute standing ovation during Sunday’s opening night.

From Los Angeles Times

While the emphasis on three-point shooting dominated discussions around the team in the preseason, they made just five of 30 on opening night.

From Los Angeles Times