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

With the exception of the first half of the opener against Poland, Scotland have performed well, even if results have not neccessarily followed.

From BBC

The two best public-school teams meet in a Division 1 opener.

From Los Angeles Times

Nacua left the season opener after aggravating a knee injury, and he was sidelined for five games.

From Los Angeles Times

Joe Noteboom, who can play guard or tackle, also is set to play for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in the opener.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the opener's third T20 hundred for England - all three of which have come against West Indies in the past 12 months.

From BBC

Related Words

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