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

The automaker previewed this strategy during last year’s Monterey Car Week with the public unveiling of the SV Asilomar. — Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 6 Aug. 2026

In its 496-page 2026 RH Modern Sourcebook, previewed by WWD on Monday, the American design firm introduced new pieces from a global roster of designers. — Sofia Celeste, Footwear News, 3 Aug. 2026

Noun

Corbin teased a preview of SummerSlam but declined as fans booed. — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 31 July 2026

The Destin Daniel Cretton directed Spider-Man sequel began showtimes at 12 noon today, and its preview cash will include Wednesday night’s Prime Video member screening. — Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 31 July 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