curtain-raiser

noun

cur·​tain-rais·​er ˈkər-tᵊn-ˌrā-zər 

1

: a short play usually of one scene that is presented before the main full-length drama

2

: a usually short preliminary to a main event

Synonyms of curtain-raiser

• prelude
• preliminary

Examples of curtain-raiser in a Sentence

the opening of the performing arts center proved to be a curtain-raiser for the rebirth of the city's downtown

Recent Examples on the Web

In many ways, Canada’s 1-0 win over South Africa on Sunday was the perfect curtain-raiser for the first-ever World Cup round of 32. — Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 29 June 2026

Unlike its counterparts in Europe, the Challenge Cup is still searching for a clear purpose beyond serving as a curtain-raiser between the league champion and Shield winner. — Asli Pelit, New York Times, 27 June 2026

After epic curtain-raisers in 1970 and 1986, this year’s inaugural match will feature a resurgent Mexico against a youthful South Africa team. — Jonathan Thompson, Travel + Leisure, 10 June 2026

The second season served as a curtain-raiser for Kaitlyn Dever and her character, Abby. — Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 8 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1886, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for curtain-raiser

• appraiser
• fundraiser
• blazer
• gazer
• glazer
• kayser
• laser
• lazar
• maser
• mazer
• phasor
• raiser