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

According to prison sources he will be kept under tight observation through his first night.

From BBC • Jun. 22, 2026

Missi and Frank said they tossed and turned the first night, noticing every passing car that broke the dead silence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 20, 2026

The pinnipeds that crashed my first night on the island were probably not affected much.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

The first night, I topped bowls with avocado and sour cream; the second, I spooned leftovers over white rice with shredded cabbage and green onion left over from another dinner earlier in the week.

From Salon • May 19, 2026

When we got to the Mancinis’ bedroom that first night, Tía Mari showed us “the accommodations.”

From "Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez

Related Words

• beginning
• debut
• opening