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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

first night

Onstage the first night, the rapper took aim at his critics.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

On the first night of training camp, the Rams’ defensive line coach sat down with each of his charges individually and, among other topics, talked about Aaron Donald.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 30, 2026

While he was eliminated on the first night, he was a beloved participant for his charming, down-to-earth personality as a grocery store owner from Chicago, earning him the nickname “Grocery Store Joe.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 11, 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

I close my eyes and imagine what our first night on Sagan in the cave will be like.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

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Related Words

• beginning
• debut
• opening

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