English Reference
noun · verb

premiere

n. · v.
US /pɹɛˈmɪɹ/ UK /pɹˌɛmiˈeə/ pre·miere UK spelling premieres, premiering

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

    n.the first time a movie, play, or musical piece is shown to an audience.

    n.the first public performance or exhibition of a theatrical, cinematic, or musical work.

    Simple

    The actors walked the red carpet at the world premiere of their new movie.

    In context

    The director expressed immense relief after the world premiere received a standing ovation from the notoriously critical festival audience.

    Usage

    Often used with 'world' to indicate the very first showing globally.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the first episode of a new television series or a new season.

    n.the initial broadcast of a television series or a specific season of a programme.

    Simple

    Millions of fans tuned in for the season premiere of the popular drama.

    In context

    Network executives were delighted when the series premiere broke viewership records for the Sunday night time slot.

    Usage

    Commonly paired with 'season' or 'series'.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to show a movie or play to the public for the first time.

    v.to present a creative work for its first public performance; can be used with or without a direct object.

    Simple

    The documentary will premiere at the film festival next month.

    In context

    The studio decided to premiere the blockbuster simultaneously in theatres and on its digital streaming platform to maximise global reach.

    Usage

    As a verb, it functions both transitively (the studio premiered the film) and intransitively (the film premiered).

He recalls a moment during the premiere in Berlin when emotion crept up on him.

BBC News· 15 Aug 2026

Replica had its Australian premiere at Sydney film festival in June and plays at the Melbourne international film festival this month.

The Guardian· 11 Aug 2026

From French première (“first”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin French première
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated