opener
Americannoun
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a person or thing that opens.
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a device for opening sealed containers.
can opener.
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the first of several theatrical numbers, variety acts, sports events, etc..
a humorous monologue as an opener.
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Poker. openers, cards in a hand, as a pair of jacks or better, that according to a given standard are worth enough to enable the holder to make the first bet of a deal.
idioms
noun
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an instrument used to open sealed containers such as tins or bottles
a bottle opener
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a person who opens, esp the player who makes the first bid or play
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the first or opening section or episode in a series
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the first song, act, etc, in a variety show
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(plural) a start; beginning (esp in the phrase for openers )
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of opener
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s the first day of SpaceX trading, and Wall Street has high hopes it’ll provide a lot more excitement than that dud of a World Cup opener.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 12, 2026
In the days before the USA's opener there were still tickets available for the game.
From BBC • Jun. 12, 2026
United States star Christian Pulisic said the World Cup co-hosts are "ready to battle" on soccer's biggest stage as they prepare for a potentially bruising opener against Paraguay on Friday.
From Barron's • Jun. 11, 2026
It has never won a tournament opener, with a record of 0-5-2, including a 1-1 draw against South Africa in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2026
“Hey, bro,” Zed yelled over the hum of the electric garage door opener and the growl of the lawn mower’s engine as I drove out, “wouldja lend me a coupla bucks?”
From "Lawn Boy Returns" by Gary Paulsen
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
