preview

[ pree-vyoo ]

noun

1. an earlier or previous view.
2. an advance showing of a motion picture, play, etc., before its public opening.
3. an advance showing of brief scenes in a motion picture, television show, etc., for purposes of advertisement.
4. anything that gives an advance idea or impression of something to come.

verb (used with object)

1. to view or show beforehand or in advance.

preview

/ ˈpriːvjuː /

noun

1. an advance or preliminary view or sight
2. an advance showing before public presentation of a film, art exhibition, etc, usually before an invited audience of celebrities and journalists
3. a public performance of a play before the official first night

verb

1. tr to view in advance

Other Words From

• un·previewed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of preview¹

First recorded in 1600–10; 1920–25 preview fordef 2; pre- + view

Example Sentences

The production will close Dec. 8 after 24 preview and 29 regular performances, Broadway World reported.

From Los Angeles Times

Ben Decter watched this week’s preview performances from various seats throughout the theater and chatted with families afterward; he is admittedly “a lot better” at expressing himself and communicating his feelings to others.

From Los Angeles Times

Other highlights on the night will include Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa introducing a preview from the forthcoming Doctor Who Christmas Special.

From BBC

Disagreements between the self-fashioned libertarians, neoconservatives and nationalists previewed the factions vying for power within the Republican Party, factions which stand to come to the forefront in his next term.

From Salon

So we flew to London, my husband and I, for the first time, and I finally wore my big, loud cocoon coat to the exhibition preview.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• examination
• viewing