Definition of 'opening'

Word Frequency

opening

(oʊpənɪŋ

)

Word forms: openings plural

1. adjective [ADJ n]

The opening event, item, day, or week in a series is the first one.

They returned to play in the season's opening game.

Synonyms: first, early, earliest, beginning More Synonyms of opening

2. countable noun

The opening of something such as a book, play, or concert is the first part of it.

The opening of the scene depicts Akhnaten and his family in a moment of intimacy.

3. countable noun

An opening is a hole or empty space through which things or people can pass.

He squeezed through a narrow opening in the fence.

Synonyms: hole, break, space, tear More Synonyms of opening

4. countable noun

An opening in a forest is a small area where there are no trees or bushes.

[mainly US]

I glanced down at the beach as we passed an opening in the trees.

regional note: in BRIT, usually use clearing

5. countable noun

An opening is a good opportunity to do something, for example, to show people how good you are.

Her capabilities were always there; all she needed was an opening to show them.

Synonyms: opportunity, chance, break [informal], time More Synonyms of opening

6. countable noun

An opening is a job that is available.

We don't have any openings now, but we'll call you if something comes up.

Synonyms: job, position, post, situation More Synonyms of opening

7. See also open1, open2, open3, open4

More Synonyms of opening

Video: pronunciation of
opening

American English pronunciation

British English pronunciation

opening in American English

(ˈoʊpəˌnɪŋ ; ˈoʊpˌnɪŋ )

noun

a becoming open or causing to be open

an open place or part; hole; gap; aperture

3. US

a clearing in the midst of a wooded area

a beginning; first part; commencement

start of operations; formal beginning

a first performance, as of a play

a favorable chance or occasion; opportunity

an unfilled position or office for which a person is wanted

7. Chess and Checkers

the series of moves at the beginning of a game, often a specific, conventional sequence of moves

adjective

initial or introductory

opening remarks

Word origin

ME openyng

Word Frequency

opening in American English

(ˈoupənɪŋ)

noun

an act or instance of making or becoming open

the act of a person or thing that opens

an unobstructed or unoccupied space or place

a void in solid matter; a gap, hole, or aperture

a tract of land thinly wooded as compared with adjoining forest tracts

the act of beginning; start; commencement

the opening of a new session of Congress

the first part or initial stage of anything

an employment vacancy; an unfilled position or job

There are no openings for clerks today

an opportunity; chance

10.

a formal or official beginning, as of a sport season or a season's sale of goods

the opening of the deer-hunting season

Swimsuits sold well at the summer opening

11.

the first performance of a theatrical production

12.

the first public showing or use of something

the opening of an art exhibition

13.

a celebration of the first public showing or performance or of the first use or start of something

The new supermarket is going to give away prizes at its opening

14. Law

the statement of the case made by counsel to the court or jury preliminary to adducing evidence

15.

a mode of beginning a game

a manual of chess openings

SYNONYMS 4. orifice; slit, breach, rift, chasm, cleft, fissure, rent.ANTONYMS 1. closing.

Word origin

[1125–75; ME; see open, -ing1]

Word Frequency

opening in British English

(ˈəʊpənɪŋ

)

noun

the act of making or becoming open

a vacant or unobstructed space, esp one that will serve as a passageway; gap

3. mainly US

a tract in a forest in which trees are scattered or absent

the first part or stage of something

the first performance of something, esp a theatrical production

(as modifier)

the opening night

a specific or formal sequence of moves at the start of any of certain games, esp chess or draughts

an opportunity or chance, esp for employment or promotion in a business concern

8. law

the preliminary statement made by counsel to the court or jury before adducing evidence in support of his or her case

Examples of 'opening' in a sentence
opening

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Was there a way to increase opening hours?This is the opening track.They ended up putting in at three of them in that opening 40.And we're still three weeks from the official opening night.From its exuberant opening flourish, this masterpiece holds you in its grip.They lost twice on the opening day.So all things considered, this was a ghastly opening to the season. Senior Republicans are deeply suspicious of any new openings.There might be branch closures in towns with obvious overlaps but these would be offset by new openings elsewhere. Staff tested manual letter openers, conducted a survey and studied the efficiency of the building's post opening area.