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noun Uncommon

opener

OH-puhn-uh

Opener (noun) means a tool designed to open something, such as a can or bottle. Example: “We couldn't find the bottle opener anywhere in the kitchen.”

noun
1
A tool designed to open something, such as a can or bottle.
"We couldn't find the bottle opener anywhere in the kitchen."
"This can opener is nearly thirty years old and still works."
2
The first event, act, or item in a series.
"The band played their biggest hit as the opener."
"Her opening remarks made a strong opener for the debate."
3
In cricket, a batsman who starts the innings, or a bowler who starts the bowling attack.
"The team's two openers put on a hundred runs before lunch."

How to Use Opener

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither a tool for opening things, or the first thing in a sequence of events.

Common pairings
can opener bottle opener season opener opening act

Word Forms

openers plural

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Fill the Gap

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We couldn't find the bottle _____ anywhere in the kitchen.

Etymology

From Old English openere, built from open plus the agent suffix "-er," the same pattern as "writer" or "singer."

Origin: Old English

Related Words

Rhymes for opener

See all rhymes for opener →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “opener” mean?

The word “opener” means a tool designed to open something, such as a can or bottle. In plain terms, either a tool for opening things, or the first thing in a sequence of events.

How do you pronounce “opener”?

“Opener” is pronounced OH-puhn-uh (/ˈoʊ.pən.ɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “opener” in a sentence?

Here is “opener” used in a sentence: “We couldn't find the bottle opener anywhere in the kitchen.”

What part of speech is “opener”?

“Opener” is a noun.

Where does the word “opener” come from?

The word “opener” comes from Old English. From Old English openere, built from open plus the agent suffix "-er," the same pattern as "writer" or "singer.".

Is “opener” a common word?

“Opener” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “opener” have?

“Opener” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a tool designed to open something, such as a can or bottle.

What is the difference between an opener and an opening?

An opener is a person or thing that begins something, such as the first act in a show or a batsman who starts a cricket innings, while an opening is the gap, start, or opportunity itself. An opener does the starting; an opening is the start.

What is an opener in cricket?

In cricket, an opener is a batsman who starts the innings, or a bowler who starts the bowling attack. Opening batsmen face the new ball first and are chosen for their ability to see off the fastest early bowling.

What makes a good conversation opener?

In conversation, an opener is the first thing said to begin an exchange, since 'opener' means the first item or act in a series. A good one invites a reply, such as an open question or a shared observation.

What is the difference between a can opener and a bottle opener?

Both are openers, meaning tools designed to open something. A can opener cuts or pries open sealed tins, while a bottle opener removes caps or stoppers from bottles.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial