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door opener

American  
Or door-opener

noun

  1. a mechanism that automatically opens a door, as of a garage, when actuated by a radio transmitter, electric eye, or other device.

  2. Informal. something that is effective in leading to opportunity or success.

    Sales experience can be a door opener for young executives.


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.

See Examples For:

In the 1980s comedy “9 to 5,” Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin tie up the boss, put him in a harness and attach him to a garage door opener.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 6, 2026

Amazon offers another option in certain parts of the country if you’re enrolled in Amazon Prime and have an internet-connected garage door opener: Its drivers can deliver packages inside your garage.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 15, 2024

He said he "reconnected" with the song, which he now saw as a "door opener".

From BBC ● Oct. 17, 2023

"I hope we can now be a door opener for other organizations as well. That's what we're seeking."

From Reuters ● May 24, 2023

Thank God we heard the automatic garage door opener when we did.

From "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky

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