opener

American  

[oh-puh-ner] / ˈoʊ pə nər /

noun

1. a person or thing that opens.

2. a device for opening opening sealed containers.

   can opener.

3. the first of several theatrical numbers, variety acts, sports events, etc..

   a humorous monologue as an opener.

4. 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

1. for openers, as an initially stated reason or argument; at the outset; to begin with.

   Well, for openers, I don't have the money.

opener British  

/ ˈəʊpənə /

noun

1. an instrument used to open sealed containers such as tins or bottles

   a bottle opener

2. a person who opens, esp the player who makes the first bid or play

3. the first or opening section or episode in a series

4. the first song, act, etc, in a variety show

5. (plural) a start; beginning (esp in the phrase for openers )

---

Other Word Forms

• self-opener noun

Etymology

Origin of opener

First recorded in 1540–50; open + -er ¹

Example Sentences

Chasing 257, Zimbabwe opener Brian Bennett showcased his talent, registering his third unbeaten half-century of the tournament with 97 from 59 balls.

From BBC

He played in the three one-day internationals against Sri Lanka last month, also held on this ground, and twice filled in as an opener.

From BBC

Except, for this month's Six Nations opener against Ireland.

From BBC

The City Section’s winningest football coach with 300 career wins and a longtime P.E. teacher at Crenshaw High was placed on administrative leave last August on the eve of Crenshaw’s football opener.

From Los Angeles Times

England have various options, given both Tom Banton and Will Jacks are openers by trade.

From BBC

Related Words

• birth
• creation
• dawn
• inauguration
• inception
• introduction
• onset
• opening
• outset
• starting point
• top