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preshow

American  
[pree-shoh] / ˈpriˌʃoʊ /

noun

  1. a show or spectacle that precedes the main event or performance.


adjective

  1. occurring in the period leading up to a show.

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.

Their newest complaint is rising prices along with expanding preshow advertising that, combined with as many as nine trailers, means movies frequently start close to half an hour after their official showtime.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

Most preshow work happens in her “dog room,” a basement utility space where pet scrubs and tinctures abound like makeup at Sephora.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

The official live preshow, “The Oscars Red Carpet Show” — hosted by Julianne Hough and Jesse Palmer — will kick off at 3:30 p.m. on ABC and Hulu.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2025

The move came amid a perfect storm of marital struggles and Slade’s deteriorating mental health, which resulted in preshow and onstage panic attacks.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 4, 2024

I hand him the preshow CD, jog down the aisle, and snake behind the heavy red curtain.

From "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan