opener

noun

open·​er

ˈōp-nər, 

ˈō-pə- 

: one that opens

a bottle opener

: such as

a

openers plural : cards of sufficient value for a player to open the betting in a poker game

b

: the first item, contest, or event of a series

see also for openers

Examples of opener in a Sentence

The album's opener is a slow love song.

Recent Examples on the Web

What shapes up as an intriguing seventh year under Coach Jordyn Wieber for the University of Arkansas gymnastics team gets rolling Saturday with the season opener at Minnesota. —Tom Murphy, Arkansas Online, 10 Jan. 2026

Remember that his predecessor, Brandon Staley, used his starters at Denver in Week 18 with a playoff berth secured in January 2023, only to have receiver Mike Williams suffer a small fracture in his back that kept him out of the playoff opener. —Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026

The Horns have some talent, but have been a sieve on defense over the last few games, including a gut punch of a 101-98 overtime loss at home to Mississippi State in the conference opener. —Cedric Golden, Austin American Statesman, 9 Jan. 2026

Just break out the can opener, give them a quick rinse. —Riley Wofford, Martha Stewart, 9 Jan. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing opener

• bottle opener
• can opener
• eye-opener
• letter opener
• tin opener

Kids Definition

opener

noun

open·​er ˈōp-(ə-)nər 

: something used for opening

a bottle opener

a conversation opener