opener

noun

open·​er
ˈōp-nər, 
ˈō-pə- How to pronounce opener (audio)
: one that opens
a bottle opener
: such as
a
openers plural : cards of sufficient value for a player to open the betting in a poker game
b
: the first item, contest, or event of a series
see also:
for openers

Examples of opener in a Sentence

The album's opener is a slow love song.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The 49ers are entering a crucial part of the summer with a joint practice on Tuesday with the Titans ahead of the exhibition opener. — ABC News, 8 Aug. 2026 An injury in Miami’s season opener in 2024 stopped him from being one of Miami’s primary left guards that year. — Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 8 Aug. 2026 Roughly a decade ago, Stapleton served as Guns N’ Roses’ one-off opener at the band’s concert at Nashville’s Nissan Stadium concert in July 2016. — Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 7 Aug. 2026 The back-and-forth exhibition opener was highlighted by the performance of undrafted rookie quarterback Haynes King, who replaced veteran Kenny Pickett following Carolina’s first scoring drive in the second quarter. — Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 7 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opener

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of opener was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing opener

Browse Nearby Words

open enrollment
opener
open-eyed
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Opener.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opener. Accessed 13 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

opener

noun
open·​er ˈōp-(ə-)nər How to pronounce opener (audio)
: something used for opening
a bottle opener
a conversation opener

More from Merriam-Webster on opener

Nglish: Translation of opener for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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