opener

noun

open·​er
ˈōp-nər,
ˈō-pə- How to pronounce opener (audio)
: 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
Phrases
for openers
: to begin with

Examples of opener in a Sentence

The album's opener is a slow love song.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Neither Lyle nor Trader has played since Miami’s season opener against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 3 Oct. 2025 The Garretts drove from their home in Marshall to the farm in west-central Indiana on Friday, the day before the opener. Bob McNally, Outdoor Life, 2 Oct. 2025 Cal Poly is coming off of a 32-24 victory over Sac State in a Big Sky opener at Hornet Stadium, moving the Mustangs to 3-2 on the season. Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2025 Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum each played 19 minutes in that opener and 23 minutes in the second matchup, while the Nuggets starters, including Nikola Jokić, were on the floor for about 15 and 18 minutes, respectively. Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 2 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for opener

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opener was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opener. Accessed 4 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

opener

noun
open·​er ˈōp-(ə-)nər How to pronounce opener (audio)
: something used for opening
a bottle opener
a conversation opener

More from Merriam-Webster on opener

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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