Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com
Synonyms

first night

American  

first night British  

noun

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

    2. ( as modifier )

      first-night nerves

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of first night

First recorded in 1705–15

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She was already so poorly when she received her diagnosis at the Christie, she ended up in the critical care unit on the first night and was given chemotherapy straight away.

From BBC

The family joined a candle-lighting ceremony on the first night of Hanukkah with Netanyahu.

From BBC

It arrived Sunday, on the first night of Hanukkah.

From The Wall Street Journal

Each year on the first night of Hanukkah, Goldstein waits for a call from his brother-in-law where they wish each other well on the holiday and chat about their respective lighting ceremonies.

From Los Angeles Times

It was a night that promised to bring "joy and light" to Sydney's iconic Bondi Beach as crowds of Jewish families gathered at a park to celebrate the first night of Hanukkah, also known as the festival of light.

From BBC