opener

1 of 2

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

opener

2 of 2

comparative of open entry 1

Examples of opener in a Sentence

Noun 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.
Noun
The roster isn’t done changing The Lakers have to cut their roster to 15 by the opener. — Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026 The Heat also has a decision to make on the nonguaranteed contract of veteran center Nick Richards before Wednesday’s regular-season opener. — Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026 The Chiefs have only four sacks this season, none since the opener. — Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 16 Oct. 2026 Baylor does rank second in pass defense efficiency, but that ranking is largely based off intercepting Auburn quarterback Byrum Brown three times in the season opener. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for opener

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

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 20 Oct. 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
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