first night

noun

: the night on which a theatrical production is first performed at a given place
also : the performance itself

Examples of first night in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rey spent his first night sleeping on the floor of a holding cell with twenty other men. Jonathan Blitzer, New Yorker, 13 July 2026 The first night game in All-Star history, at Philadelphia’s Shibe Park, went to the AL, 5-3, despite a single, triple and home run by NL center fielder Vince DiMaggio of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 13 July 2026 The first night of live competition on July 21, will consist of Chen, Doug Anderson, Shelby McEwen, Cam Hazzard, Jonathan Edwards and Joel Henry. Brent Lang, Variety, 9 July 2026 Gemma has always been one of her brother’s biggest cheerleaders, and during the first night of his residency, Harry shouted her out for her support. Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for first night

Word History

First Known Use

1698, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of first night was in 1698

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“First night.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/first%20night. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!