preview

1 of 2

verb

pre·​view ˈprē-ˌvyü 

previewed; previewing; previews

transitive verb

1

: to see beforehand

specifically : to view or to show in advance of public presentation

2

: to give a preliminary survey of

previewer

ˈprē-ˌvyü-ər 

noun

preview

2 of 2

noun

1

: an advance statement, sample, or survey

2

: an advance showing or performance (as of a movie or play)

3

or less commonly prevue

ˈprē-ˌvyü 

: a selected group of scenes shown to advertise a movie, television show, etc.

called also trailer

Examples of preview in a Sentence

Verb

The designers will preview their new lines at the fashion show.

They previewed the upcoming football season.

You can preview the page before you print it.

Noun

We saw the movie at a special preview.

Before the movie starts they always show previews of coming attractions.

There are previews of the next week's episode at the end of each show.

They gave a preview of the upcoming football season.

The magazine includes a preview of the newest fall fashions.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Asked about Fernandez’s future in a press conference to preview Chelsea’s clash with Fulham at Craven Cottage on Monday, Alonso praised the Argentina international’s quality and attitude in training at Cobham without giving a definitive response. — Liam Twomey, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The design, which features a vehicle-wide dual light that meets at a point in the center, was previously previewed as a concept vehicle by the brand in 2024. — Michael Wayland, CNBC, 20 Aug. 2026

Noun

The sixth entry in Sony’s horror franchise has made $3 million in Thursday previews at the box office. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 21 Aug. 2026

By the mid 1990s, the magazine section of the local bookstores and pharmacies were stuffed with football preview issues. — Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 21 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Verb

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1881, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing preview

• sneak preview

Rhymes for preview

• accrue
• ado
• ainu
• aircrew
• airscrew
• anew
• askew
• baboo
• babu
• bamboo
• beaucoup
• bijou

Kids Definition

preview

1 of 2 verb

pre·​view ˈprē-ˌvyü 

: to view or show in advance

preview

2 of 2 noun

1

: a showing of something (as a movie) before regular showings

2

also prevue

-ˌvyü 

: a showing of bits from a movie that is to be shown in the near future