opener

[ oh-puh-ner ]

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. openers, Poker. 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.

opener

/ 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 Words From

• self-open·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of opener¹

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

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

When the postseason Dodgers needed a hero, he had big hits in the division series opener, the division series clincher, and the clinching World Series Game 5.

From Los Angeles Times

Gatland could still be in charge for Saturday's daunting appointment with world champions South Africa, but whether he remains in place for the Six Nations opener in Paris 10 weeks later appears increasingly uncertain.

From BBC

Paolini and Errani, who won Olympic doubles gold together in Paris this summer, saved three set points before breaking the Poles' serve and then clinching the opener.

From BBC

Limmer had replaced Jackson for eight-plus games after Jackson suffered a shoulder injury in the season opener against the Detroit Lions.

From Los Angeles Times

Wales then face a ferociously tough Six Nations opener against France in Paris on 31 January.

From BBC

Related Words

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