a first public performance or showing of a play, opera, film, etc.
the leading woman, as in a drama.
to have the first public showing.
It will premiere at the Arcadia Theater.
to perform publicly for the first time, as in a particular role, entertainment medium, etc..
When does he premiere as Hamlet?
the first public performance of a film, play, opera, etc
the leading lady in a theatre company
First recorded in 1890–95; from French première literally, “first”; feminine of premier; see origin at premier
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.
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Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Tribeca Film Festival’s closing-night party, which followed the premiere of the Alicia Keys documentary “Girl From Hell’s Kitchen,” became an impromptu double celebration.
From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026
The photo is especially historic because it shows the dance in its premiere, on the intimate stage of Washington’s Library of Congress.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
Another small island making a premiere showing is Cape Verde.
From BBC • Jun. 9, 2026
There were too many to list and it’s too bad because this became a one-of-a-kind showcase of orchestral versatility, which ended with the premiere of another new Dudamelian orchestral tribute, Gabriela Ortiz’s “Mujer Arena.”
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 9, 2026
“All premiere West African Marvellians have one, and I'm from a very notable family. You've probably heard of us, the Asamoahs, we're seriously legendary. The most famous. So, definitely not a pet.”
From "The Marvellers" by Dhonielle Clayton
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
