teaser
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a very short advertisement or video for a new movie, book, or product that shows just enough to make you want to see more.
a brief promotional segment or advertisement released ahead of a full product to stimulate consumer interest and anticipation.
Simple“The studio released a ten-second teaser for the new superhero movie on social media.”
In context“The marketing department opted for a cryptic teaser campaign, releasing vague images months before the official trailer to build online speculation.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
someone who likes to joke with people or annoy them in a playful or sometimes unkind way.
an individual who habitually provokes, mocks, or irritates others, whether playfully or with malicious intent.
Simple“My older brother was a real teaser when we were kids, always hiding my toys.”
In context“Though he was known as a relentless teaser in the office, his colleagues understood that his dry wit was rarely intended to cause genuine offense.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
a short scene at the very beginning of a TV show that starts the story before the opening music plays.
a short sequence at the beginning of a television programme, preceding the title credits, designed to establish the narrative hook.
Simple“The show's teaser was so exciting that I couldn't turn the TV off.”
In context“The episode's teaser featured a dramatic cliffhanger from the previous season, ensuring high viewer retention through the first commercial break.”
Synonymscold openhook - 04 C2 Proficiency
a short, wide curtain at the top of a stage used to hide lights and equipment from the audience.
a horizontal masking frame or short curtain suspended above the stage to hide the flies and adjust the height of the proscenium opening.
Simple“The stage crew lowered the teaser to hide the overhead spotlights.”
In context“The set designer requested a velvet teaser to match the main house tabs, ensuring a seamless visual frame for the period production.”
Synonymsbordervalance - 05 C2 Proficiency
a fake fish used to attract real fish toward a boat, often without a hook of its own.
a hookless lure or attractant used to draw predatory fish into a spread of hooked baits.
Simple“The fisherman used a bright plastic teaser to get the attention of the marlin.”
In context“By trolling a large surface teaser, the crew successfully raised several sailfish that had been holding deep in the water column.”
“But the first teaser looks truly epic – and child actors have upped their game since the movies.”
From tease + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.