first night

American  

noun

1. opening night.

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first night British  

noun

1. 1. the first public performance of a play or other production

   2. ( as modifier )

      first-night nerves

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Etymology

Origin of first night

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

first night

The first night when I went to give the 4 year old a good night hug and kiss, she recoiled and said I was “furry.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 3, 2026

Inside the Villaviciosa de Odon gymnasium, volunteers tried to keep children occupied with games and colouring activities, while others distributed meals after the evacuees had spent their first night sleeping on cots.

From Barron's ● Jul. 25, 2026

The first night, tonight, is the least predictable.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 14, 2026

Police Scotland said six people had been charged over various offences on the first night of the festival, including a 42-year-old who is accused of flying a drone over the festival site.

From BBC ● Jun. 21, 2026

Daniel Ellsberg’s first day at the Pentagon was now his first night.

From "Most Dangerous: Daniel Ellsberg and the Secret History of the Vietnam War" by Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• beginning
• debut
• opening