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premiere

n. · v.
US //pɹɛˈmɪɹ// UK //pɹˌɛmiˈeə// pre·miere
  1. 1 first public showing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Theatre

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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. 2 TV episode (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Usage

    Commonly paired with 'season' or 'series'.

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  1. 3 to show for the first time (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

    The documentary will premiere at the film festival next month.

    Example

    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).

Origin

From French première (“first”).

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