Synonyms

opening night

American

noun

the first performance of a theatrical attraction, taking place in the evening.

The audience was full of celebrities on opening night.

Etymology

Origin of opening night

First recorded in 1805–15

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.

This year’s edition includes an opening night party with a DJ set by street artist Shepard Fairey, panel discussions, guided meditation and even a sound bath.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2026

How about Australia, winners on opening night against Taiwan?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

The venue's general manager resigned on the planned opening night after the troubled opening.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

Philadelphia 76ers rookie VJ Edgecombe came through as honorary coach Vince Carter's Team Vince triumphed Friday in the Rising Stars Challenge on the opening night of NBA All-Star Weekend.

From Barron's • Feb. 14, 2026

A rising starlet who, despite her years, had already nabbed a series of covetable roles beside the titans of the stage vanished without a trace after the opening night of Di Shturem: The Yiddish Tempest.

From "Night Owls" by A.R. Vishny

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023