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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 Angels’ offense was stifled in a 10-inning, 3-1 loss to the Seattle Mariners during their home opener Friday night in front of 44,931 fans at Angel Stadium.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 4, 2026

The Angels celebrated their 2026 home opener on Friday, and the fans booed the ceremonial first pitch.

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

The talismanic striker converted in Budapest and expertly dispatched another for the opener in Prague despite a lengthy wait for the home side's protestations to subside.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

“I just now have had a sudden recollection. The can opener is in the car.”

From "Raymie Nightingale" by Kate DiCamillo

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.