Cold Open

Pronunciation: /koʊld ˈoʊpən/

Definitions of cold open

noun A segment at the beginning of a television show or movie that precedes the opening credits and sets up the main story or theme.

Example Sentences

A1 I like watching TV shows with a cold open that grabs my attention.

A2 The cold open of the movie set the tone for the rest of the film.

B1 The cold open of the new series was so intense, it made me want to keep watching.

B2 The cold open of the play was a clever way to introduce the main characters.

C1 The cold open of the documentary was a powerful statement on social issues.

C2 The cold open of the latest episode left me on the edge of my seat, wondering what would happen next.

Examples of cold open in a Sentence

formal The show's cold open set the tone for the entire episode.

informal Did you catch that cold open? It was intense!

slang The cold open was lit, I couldn't believe what happened!

figurative The cold open was like a punch in the gut, it really grabbed my attention.

Grammatical Forms of cold open

• plural: cold opens
• comparative: colder open
• superlative: coldest open
• present tense: cold opens
• future tense: will cold open
• perfect tense: has cold opened
• continuous tense: is cold opening
• singular: cold open
• positive degree: very cold open
• infinitive: to cold open
• gerund: cold opening
• participle: cold opened

Origin and Evolution of cold open

First Known Use: 1975 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'cold open' originated in the world of television and film production.

Evolution of the word: Originally used to describe a scene that starts a show or movie without any introduction or lead-in, the term 'cold open' has evolved to also refer to the practice of starting a show with a teaser or a scene that sets up the rest of the episode.