opening Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. noun an open or empty space in or between things
   gap.
   
   • there was a small opening between the trees
   • the explosion made a gap in the wall
2. noun a ceremony accompanying the start of some enterprise
   
3. noun becoming open or being made open
   
   • the opening of his arms was the sign I was waiting for
4. noun the first performance (as of a theatrical production)
   curtain raising; opening night.
   
   • the opening received good critical reviews
5. noun the act of opening something
   
   • the ray of light revealed his cautious opening of the door
6. noun opportunity especially for employment or promotion
   
   • there is an opening in the sales department
7. noun the initial part of the introduction
   
   • the opening established the basic theme
8. noun a possible alternative
   possible action; possibility.
   
   • bankruptcy is always a possibility
9. noun an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
   orifice; porta.
   
   • the orifice into the aorta from the lower left chamber of the heart
10. noun a vacant or unobstructed space that is man-made
    
    • they left a small opening for the cat at the bottom of the door
11. noun an entrance equipped with a hatch; especially a passageway between decks of a ship
    scuttle; hatchway.
    
12. noun a recognized sequence of moves at the beginning of a game of chess
    chess opening.
    
    • he memorized all the important chess openings
13. noun the first of a series of actions
    opening move; first step; initiative.
    
14. verb cause to open or to become open
    open; open up.
    
    • Mary opened the car door
15. verb start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning
    open; open up.
    
    • open a business
16. verb become open
    open; open up.
    
    • The door opened
17. verb begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.
    open.
    
    • He opened the meeting with a long speech
18. verb spread out or open from a closed or folded state
    spread; open; spread out; unfold.
    
    • open the map
    • spread your arms
19. verb make available
    open; open up.
    
    • This opens up new possibilities
20. verb become available
    open; open up.
    
    • an opportunity opened up
21. verb have an opening or passage or outlet
    open.
    
    • The bedrooms open into the hall
22. verb make the opening move
    open.
    
    • Kasparov opened with a standard opening
23. verb afford access to
    afford; open; give.
    
    • the door opens to the patio
    • The French doors give onto a terrace
24. verb display the contents of a file or start an application as on a computer
    open.
    
25. adjective first or beginning
    
    • the memorable opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth
    • the play's opening scene

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