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

A 56-year-old man from Moray has gone missing in Rome on the first night of his holiday, his fiancée has said.

From BBC ● Aug. 16, 2026

But it was clear from that first night on that many men chose to have a contraband phone, accepting the risk in large part to keep in touch with their families.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 5, 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

On my first night in Colby, Gus had dragged a kitchen chair out there for me after supper.

From "Wish" by Barbara O'Connor

Related Words

• beginning
• debut
• opening