opening

Meanings

1. 1nouncountable

   A gap or hole through which something can pass or be seen.

   Grammar: Countable: an opening in the fence.

   Patterns

   • an opening in something
   • an opening between things

   The cat slipped through an opening in the hedge.

   There was a small opening at the top of the tent.

   Light poured in through the opening in the wall.

2. 2nouncountable

   The first part of something such as a speech, film, book, or event.

   Grammar: Usually singular with the: the opening of the film.

   Patterns

   • the opening of something

   The opening of the novel describes a storm at sea.

   Her speech had a funny opening that won over the crowd.

   The opening of the exhibition drew a large crowd.

3. 3nouncountable

   A job or place that is free and waiting to be filled.

   Grammar: Often followed by for or in: an opening for a nurse.

   Patterns

   • an opening for someone
   • an opening in something

   The firm has an opening for a designer.

   There is an opening in the evening class if you want it.

   She applied for the only opening on the team.

4. 4nouncountable

   A good moment or chance to do or say something.

   Grammar: Used with a verb like see, find or create: he saw an opening.

   Patterns

   • an opening for something
   • wait for an opening

   She waited for an opening to ask about the raise.

   The goalkeeper's mistake gave the striker an opening.

   He found an opening in the conversation to mention the plan.

5. 5nouncountablesport

   The first set of moves in a game of chess, played to set up a strong position.

   Grammar: Often named after a person or place: the Italian opening.

   Patterns

   • play an opening

   He studied a new opening before the tournament.

   The Italian opening is popular among beginners.

6. 6adjectivebefore a noun

   Coming first in a series or at the start of an event.

   Grammar: Only before a noun: opening night, opening remarks.

   Patterns

   • opening night
   • opening remarks

   The opening speech lasted ten minutes.

   The play's opening night was sold out.

   Her opening line made everyone laugh.

Word forms

Common combinations

grand opening

The bakery's grand opening is on Saturday.

an opening in the market

The company saw an opening in the market.

opening hours

Check the opening hours before you go.

a job opening

There is a job opening at the library.

find an opening

The team found an opening in the defense.

the opening scene

The opening scene is set on a farm.

Synonyms and how they differ

gap

Gap is the everyday word for a space between things, whereas an opening suggests a passage that can be used.

vacancy

Vacancy is used for an empty job or room, and does not cover gaps or beginnings.

start

Start is plain and general, while opening is used for the first part of speeches, plays, or events.

chance

Chance can mean luck or possibility, while an opening is a specific moment that makes action possible.

Opposites

Word family

open verb

to unfasten or begin

opener noun

something that begins or opens, such as a tin opener

openly adverb

without hiding anything

reopening noun

the act of opening again

Commonly confused: opening or opportunity?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “opening”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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