opening
OH-puh-nihng
Opening (noun) means a gap or hole that allows passage or access. Example: “The cat slipped through a small opening beneath the garden gate.”
noun
1
A gap or hole that allows passage or access.
"The cat slipped through a small opening beneath the garden gate."
"Light poured in through an opening in the roof of the barn."
"They squeezed through a narrow opening in the fence."
2
The beginning of something, especially an event, performance, or piece of writing.
"The opening of her speech made everyone in the room laugh."
"The opening of the film sets a tense, moody tone."
"We arrived just in time for the gallery's opening."
3
An available position or vacancy, such as a job.
"The hospital has an opening for a night nurse next month."
"After two interviews, he finally heard about an opening in the sales team."
"There's an opening for a marketing assistant at the firm."
adjective
1
Coming first, at the start of a series of events.
"Our team scored in the opening minutes of the match."
"Her opening remarks thanked everyone for coming to the meeting."
"The opening ceremony drew a huge crowd."
How to use opening
Learner’s notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- openings
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The cat slipped through a small _____ beneath the garden gate.
Etymology
From Old English openiende, the present-participle form of the verb open, built the same way as "reading" comes from "read."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for opening
evening
widening
awakening
happening
weakening
deafening
maddening
listening
gardening
sickening
fattening
screening
See all rhymes for opening →
Frequently asked questions
What does “opening” mean?
The word “opening” means a gap or hole that allows passage or access. In plain terms, a gap that lets you through, the start of something, or a job vacancy — the context tells you which.
How do you pronounce “opening”?
“Opening” is pronounced OH-puh-nihng (/ˈoʊ.pə.nɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “opening” in a sentence?
Here is “opening” used in a sentence: “They squeezed through a narrow opening in the fence.”
What is another word for “opening”?
Words with a similar meaning to “opening” include gap, crevice and interspace.
What part of speech is “opening”?
Depending on how it is used, “opening” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “opening” come from?
The word “opening” comes from Old English. From Old English openiende, the present-participle form of the verb open, built the same way as "reading" comes from "read.".
Is “opening” a common word?
“Opening” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “opening” have?
“Opening” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a gap or hole that allows passage or access.
What is the difference between an opening and a hole?
Both are gaps, but an 'opening' stresses a way through that allows passage or access — a doorway, or a gap in a hedge. A 'hole' is simply a hollow or gap and may lead nowhere. Every opening is a kind of hole, but not every hole is a usable opening.
Does 'opening' have other meanings?
Yes. Besides a gap you can pass through, 'opening' often means a beginning — the opening of a film or speech — or an available position, as in a job opening. It can also mean a chance or opportunity. The common idea is something newly open: a way in, a start, or a possibility.
What is an example of an opening?
A doorway is a clear example: a deliberate gap in a wall that lets people pass through. Other examples include a window, a cave mouth, a gap in a fence, or the neck of a bottle — any hole or space that allows access, entry, or a way out.
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