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."
"Could you pass me the tin opener? I can't get this lid off."
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."
"The comedian told a short story as his opener and the crowd laughed straight away."
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."
"The young opener played carefully, leaving the first few balls outside off stump."
"Our best opener was out for a duck in the very first over."
How to use opener
Learner’s notesIn 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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like opener.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- openers
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
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."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for opener
wiener
keener
widener
Wegener
Greener
listener
gardener
softener
sharpener
sweetener
freshener
Kitchener
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include opener:
