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• premiere
  premiere

  noun

  a first public performance or showing of a play, opera, film, etc.
• première
  première

  noun

  premiere.

premiere

¹ American  

[pri-meer, -myair] / prɪˈmɪər, -ˈmyɛər /

French première

noun

1. a first public performance or showing of a play, opera, film, etc.

2. the leading woman, as in a drama.

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verb (used with object)

premiered, premiering

1. to present publicly for the first time.

   to premiere a new foreign film.

verb (used without object)

premiered, premiering

1. to have the first public showing.

   It will premiere at the Arcadia Theater.

2. to perform publicly for the first time, as in a particular role, entertainment medium, etc..

   When does he premiere as Hamlet?

adjective

1. first; initial; principal.

   a premiere showing; the premiere attraction of the evening.

première ² American  

[pri-meer, -myair, pruh-myer] / prɪˈmɪər, -ˈmyɛər, prəˈmyɛr /

noun

plural

premières, premièred, premièring

1. premiere.

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premiere British  

/ ˈprɛmɪə, ˈprɛmɪˌɛə /

noun

1. the first public performance of a film, play, opera, etc

2. the leading lady in a theatre company

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verb

1. to give or be the first public performance of

Etymology

Origin of premiere

First recorded in 1890–95; from French première literally, “first”; feminine of premier; see origin at premier

Explanation

A premiere is the first showing of a work of art. A movie premiere often takes place in Los Angeles or New York, with stars in attendance and the iconic red carpet rolled out to greet them. Premiere comes from the French première, which means "first." The French origin probably accounts for the word's being seen as elegant and exciting. Over time, premiere has spawned its own verb––to premiere means to perform or be performed for the first time.

Example Sentences

The film's world premiere in New York recently was the first time Escobar experienced her song in the movie.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

At the sequel’s premiere in London last week, Streep told reporters the new movie digs deeply into what’s happening today.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026

Even at the premiere, some had trouble speaking because they were so overwhelmed with emotions: "This is the happiest day of my life," exclaimed one.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

Janet Jackson isn’t portrayed in the ‘Michael’ biopic and she skipped the premiere along with Paris Jackson.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 24, 2026

His seventh symphony received its premiere at a Wagner memorial concert in December 1884, its second movement, Adagio, being in the form of a funeral lament for Wagner.

From "The Story of Music" by Howard Goodall

Related Words

• beginning
• debut
• opening