noun

opening

OH-puh-nihng

noun

A gap or hole that allows passage or access.

"They squeezed through a narrow opening in the fence."

The beginning of something, especially an event, performance, or piece of writing.

"The opening of the film sets a tense, moody tone."

"We arrived just in time for the gallery's opening."

An available position or vacancy, such as a job.

"There's an opening for a marketing assistant at the firm."

adjective

Coming first, at the start of a series of events.

"The opening ceremony drew a huge crowd."

How to Use Opening

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA gap that lets you through, the start of something, or a job vacancy — the context tells you which.

Common pairings

job opening opening night opening line small opening

openings plural

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Can you complete this real example?

They squeezed through a narrow _____ in the fence.

From Old English openiende, the present-participle form of the verb open, built the same way as "reading" comes from "read."

gap crevice interspace

link vagina breach gap crevice

evening widening awakening happening weakening deafening maddening listening gardening sickening fattening screening

gap crevice interspace link vagina breach