noun

opener

OH-puhn-uh

noun

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."

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."

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

openers plural

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

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

wiener keener widener Wegener Greener listener gardener softener sharpener sweetener freshener Kitchener