Standard Lemma guide

curtain-raiser

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

In a theater, an initial play, musical performance, etc., which precedes the main performance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: performing arts

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: warm-up act

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A prelude or introduction to an activity or thing.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: preamble, prologue

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: esinäytös — that which precedes the main performance
  • Finnish: prologi — that which precedes the main performance
  • German: Vorspiel — that which precedes the main performance
  • Finnish: esinäytös — prelude or introduction to an activity or thing
  • Finnish: alkusoitto — prelude or introduction to an activity or thing