curtain–raiser

noun cur·tain–rais·er \ˈkər-t^ən-ˌrā-zər\

: a short performance or event that comes before the main performance or event

Full Definition of CURTAIN-RAISER

: a short play usually of one scene that is presented before the main full-length drama

: a usually short preliminary to a main event

See curtain–raiser defined for English-language learners

1886

Synonyms: curtain-raiser, overture, preamble, preliminary, prologue (also prolog), warm-up

Next Word in the Dictionary: curtain shutterPrevious Word in the Dictionary: curtain lineAll Words Near: curtain-raiser

What made you want to look up curtain-raiser? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Put-downs with flair

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears