plural openings
1
: a hole or empty space that you can go through
the opening of a cave
They squeezed through a narrow opening between the fence and an oak tree.
The enemy's troops poured through an opening in our defenses.
2
: the first part of something : beginning
—usually singular
We missed the opening of her speech.
He injured himself two weeks after the opening of the season.
the opening of the school year
The story has a clever opening.
3
: the first time that something happens
We attended the opening [=the first performance] of the play.
We went to the play's opening.
4
: an event that is held in order to announce that something (such as a new store or public building) is ready to accept customers or visitors
Come help us celebrate the official opening of the library.
the opening of a new art exhibit
5
: a job or position that is available
We do have an opening for someone with your qualifications and experience.
We don't currently have any openings.
a job opening
6
: a chance or opportunity to do or say something
She was waiting for an opening to tell her story.
I saw an opening and went for it.
7
: the act of causing something to open or of becoming open
It has been 10 years since the opening of the café.
the opening of a bank account
the opening of the area for mining
the opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries
the opening (up) of the land to settlers
always used before a noun
1
: first or beginning
It's the opening day of the fishing season.
the opening lines of the poem
the opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games
In her opening statement, she told the jury that her client was not guilty.
2
—used to describe the time when something is performed or shown for the first time
The movie made 10 million dollars in its opening weekend.
the play's opening night
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/opening. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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