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

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

Wilber could barely keep his eyes closed that first night in Adelanto.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 10, 2026

Missi and Frank said they tossed and turned the first night, noticing every passing car that broke the dead silence.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 20, 2026

Country singer McBride had been slated to perform the first night.

From BBC ● May 31, 2026

After the first night, she closed the doors and windows right after supper but didn’t make me go to bed.

From "When I Was Puerto Rican" by Esmeralda Santiago

Related Words

• beginning
• debut
• opening