ENGLISH
REFERENCE

preview

n. · v.
US //ˈpɹivˌju// UK //pɹˈiːvjuː// pre·view
  1. 1 a promotional trailer (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a short video that shows parts of a movie or TV show to get people excited to watch it.

    a brief promotional sequence of clips from a film or television programme used for advertising purposes.

    Example

    The movie preview looked so exciting that I bought tickets immediately.

    Example

    The studio released a two-minute preview during the championship game, generating significant social media buzz ahead of the summer premiere.
  2. 2 checking before printing (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Computing

    a view of a document or photo on your screen that shows exactly how it will look when printed or saved.

    a software feature allowing the user to inspect the layout and formatting of a digital file before committing to a final output.

    Example

    Always check the print preview to make sure your text isn't cut off.

    Example

    The updated interface includes a live preview feature, so designers can see their adjustments in real time without having to refresh the page.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 an advance showing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    an event where people see a movie, play, or art show before it officially opens to the public.

    an advance screening or exhibition of a creative work, often intended for critics or a select audience prior to its general release.

    Example

    We were lucky enough to get tickets to a special preview of the new musical.

    Example

    The gallery hosted a private preview for collectors, allowing them to view the sculptures before the exhibition opened to the general public.
  2. 4 to view in advance (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to look at or show something before it is finished or officially released.

    to view or display a sample or the entirety of a work before its formal presentation or completion.

    Example

    The teacher will preview the video to make sure it is okay for the students.

    Example

    The director decided to preview the rough cut for a small focus group to gauge their emotional reaction to the ending.

    Usage

    This verb is transitive and requires a direct object.
Origin

From pre- + view; compare Old French preveü, past participle of preveoir (“to foresee”).

© 2026 English Reference