Opener

'oʊpnər

nounBeginnerCommonTechnology

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A tool or device used for opening containers, such as bottles or cans.

'oʊpnər

nounneutralBeginner
Technology

A tool used to open something.

Could you hand me the bottle opener?

💡 Simply: An opener is like a special key that helps you get into things like soda bottles or soup cans! Without it, it's really hard.

👶 For kids: A tool that helps you open stuff like bottles and cans!

More Examples

2

This can opener is very easy to use.

3

The baseball team's opener was surprisingly effective.

How It's Used

Household

"I need a bottle opener to get this soda open."

Sports

"The opener in baseball is often a relief pitcher who starts the game."

2

The first person, act, or item in a sequence or event; the beginning or starting point.

'oʊpnər

nounneutralmedium
Literature

The first event or participant in a series.

The comedian's opener warmed up the crowd.

💡 Simply: An opener is like the first act in a concert, the first chapter of a book, or the first person you see on a TV show. It's how things get started!

👶 For kids: The beginning of something, like the first song at a concert!

More Examples

2

The opener for the concert was an up-and-coming band.

3

The news program's opener featured the day's top stories.

How It's Used

Entertainment

"The band's opener was a local act that had a lot of energy."

Sports

"The opener in baseball will often start for an inning or two."

Tip:Think of it as the 'starting gun' or the first chapter.

Idioms & expressions

open the door for

To create an opportunity or possibility.

"Winning the first game opened the door for the team to advance to the playoffs."

From the verb 'open' + '-er' (agent suffix). The term likely emerged in the late 19th century, initially referring to tools used to open containers.

The word 'opener' has been used since the late 19th century, initially referring to tools for opening containers. The figurative usage relating to events appeared later.

Memory tip

Think of a 'key' that unlocks the contents of something closed.

openneropner

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written