noun
Common
preview
PREEV-yoo
Preview (noun) means a look at something before it is officially released or completed. Example: “The gallery held a private preview the night before the exhibition opened.”
noun
1
A look at something before it is officially released or completed.
"The gallery held a private preview the night before the exhibition opened."
"The magazine got an exclusive preview of the new smartphone."
"We watched a preview of the film before it hit theatres."
verb
1
To show or view something ahead of its official release.
"The studio will preview the trailer for critics later this week."
"Can I preview the document on screen before I print it?"
"The designer previewed her new collection to a small group of buyers."
How to use preview
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn early look at something before everyone else gets to see it.
Common pairings
preview screening
movie preview
preview a document
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Word forms
- Plural
- previews
- Third person singular
- previews
- Past tense
- previewed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The gallery held a private _____ the night before the exhibition opened.
Etymology
From pre- ("before") + view.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for preview
See all rhymes for preview →Frequently asked questions
What does “preview” mean?
The word “preview” means a look at something before it is officially released or completed. In plain terms, an early look at something before everyone else gets to see it.
How do you pronounce “preview”?
“Preview” is pronounced PREEV-yoo (/ˈpɹiːvjuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “preview” in a sentence?
Here is “preview” used in a sentence: “The magazine got an exclusive preview of the new smartphone.”
What is another word for “preview”?
Words with a similar meaning to “preview” include forelook and foreview.
What part of speech is “preview”?
Depending on how it is used, “preview” can be a noun and a verb.
Is “preview” a common word?
“Preview” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “preview” have?
“Preview” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a look at something before it is officially released or completed.
What is the difference between a preview and a premiere?
A preview is an advance look at something before its official release, often shown to a limited audience to build interest or gather feedback. A premiere is the first official public showing, so a preview comes before the premiere rather than at the same moment.
Is a preview the same as a trailer?
In film and video, 'preview' and 'trailer' are often used interchangeably for the short promotional clip that advertises an upcoming release. However, 'preview' can also mean an advance screening of the full work itself, while a trailer is always just a brief edited teaser.
What is the difference between a preview and a review?
A preview looks ahead to something before it has been released, giving an early glimpse of what to expect. A review evaluates and judges the work after it has been released or experienced.
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