# preview

/ˈpɹivˌju/ (US) · /pɹˈiːvjuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/preview
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a promotional trailer

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- The movie preview looked so exciting that I bought tickets immediately.
- The studio released a two-minute preview during the championship game, generating significant social media buzz ahead of the summer premiere.

### 2. checking before printing

noun · CEFR B1

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

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

- Always check the print preview to make sure your text isn't cut off.
- The updated interface includes a live preview feature, so designers can see their adjustments in real time without having to refresh the page.

### 3. an advance showing

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- We were lucky enough to get tickets to a special preview of the new musical.
- The gallery hosted a private preview for collectors, allowing them to view the sculptures before the exhibition opened to the general public.

### 4. to view in advance

verb · CEFR B1

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

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

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

## Examples

- Check the print preview before you click the button.
- The software developer released a technical preview of the new operating system to gather feedback from early testers.
- By utilizing the live preview feature in the web editor, designers can observe real-time changes to the layout without having to refresh the browser manually.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.