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Synonyms

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 )

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • self-opener noun

Etymology

Origin of opener

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

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.

The Seattle Mariners ruin the Angels’ home opener, holding them to just one hit over 10 innings in a 3-1 victory.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Shea Charles scored an 85th-minute winner to dump the Gunners out of the competition after substitute Viktor Gyokeres had levelled following Ross Stewart's first-half opener.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Magic Johnson, the Dodgers’ co-owner and the foremost winner in Los Angeles sports history, threw out the ceremonial first pitch before the Dodgers’ opener.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

Liverpool's Harvey Elliott was named player of the tournament, scoring six goals including the opener in the final win over Germany, but Anderson also stood out and was picked in the best XI.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

I nod and she pops the cap off with the opener mounted on the counter, pours it into a glass.

From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett

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.