preview

verb

pre·​view ˈprē-ˌvyü How to pronounce preview (audio)
previewed; previewing; previews
Synonyms of previewnext

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 noun

Examples of preview in a Sentence

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.
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.
Kenny Beecham previews the NBA Finals with the New York Knicks waiting for their Western Conference opponent with the San Antonio Spurs coming out to fight for the Larry O'Brien trophy. Andrew Greif, NBC news, 4 June 2026 On the new edition of Deadline’s Doc Talk podcast, Tribeca Festival director Cara Cusumano joins us to preview the festival’s nonfiction lineup. Matthew Carey, Deadline, 2 June 2026 Riley Green has country music fans going wild after previewing some new music. David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 2 June 2026 Dips in membership growth threaten that best-in-class valuation — something Jim Cramer alluded to on Thursday’s Morning Meeting when previewing the quarter. Paulina Likos, CNBC, 28 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for preview

Word History

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of preview was in 1607

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Preview.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/preview. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

preview

1 of 2 verb
pre·​view ˈprē-ˌvyü How to pronounce preview (audio)
: 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 : a showing of bits from a movie that is to be shown in the near future

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