1. A screening of a film for an advance showing to a selected audience: Before the release of the presentation of the movie for everybody, a preview was shown in the town theater.
2. An advertisement consisting of short scenes from a motion picture before it appears in the near future, or to see parts of a play or exhibit before it is available to the general public: Mrs. Smart wanted to see the preview of the movie first before deciding if she really wanted to go.
3. An introductory or preliminary message, sample, or overview; a foretaste: In the newspaper there was a preview of the upcoming event of the famous author appearing at the local bookstore to present and sign his newest novel.
4. A piece printed in a paper or magazine or broadcast on radio or TV describing and commenting on something that is soon to be broadcast or presented to the public: The preview of the upcoming talk show to take place the next day was shown between the other commercials on Jane's television.
5. A sample or foretaste of something likely to occur in the future: The political polls could provide a preview of the actual election results.

1. To see or to show something prior to its release to the public: The fashion collection was previewed by a selected audience in advance of the big show the following week.
2. To inspect something before it is implemented or available for public use: The teaching aids were previewed first by the teachers to make sure that they were applicable for specific purposes in the classroom.