opening
the start or first part of something
the beginning or first part of an event, speech, book, film, game, or similar thing
first, or at the beginning
used before a noun to mean first or happening at the beginning
a hole or space that lets things pass through
a hole, gap, or space through which someone or something can pass, be seen, or enter
a job, time, or chance that is available
a chance to do something, or an available job, place, or time slot
the time or event when a new place first opens to the public
the occasion when a new business, building, exhibition, road, or public activity first becomes open or available
- Base: opening
- Base: opening
- Plural: openings
grand opening
1First official opening event
The first day a business or event is open to the public, often with celebration.
- The store's grand opening is this Saturday.
- They offered discounts during the grand opening.
grand opening
1Celebratory first opening
a celebration when a new place first opens
- The gym is offering free classes for its grand opening.
- Hundreds of people came to the store's grand opening.
- They planned a grand opening after months of construction.
- The grand opening is on Saturday.
- We went to the new café's grand opening.
- They had music at the grand opening.
opening act
1Performer before main act
the performer who appears before the main performer
- A local band was the opening act for the tour.
- The opening act played for twenty minutes.
- Fans cheered when the opening act came on stage.
- The opening act was very good.
- A singer was the opening act.
- We missed the opening act.
opening ceremony
1Formal starting event
a formal event at the start of something important
- The opening ceremony included music and fireworks.
- Athletes from every country marched in the opening ceremony.
- The conference begins with a short opening ceremony.
- We watched the opening ceremony.
- The opening ceremony starts at noon.
- The school had an opening ceremony.
opening gambit
1first move in a strategy
The first thing you do or say to start and influence a situation.
- Her opening gambit was to offer free delivery for a month.
- As an opening gambit, he asked everyone to share one concern.
- Their opening gambit in the talks was a demand for a longer contract.
- His opening gambit was a joke.
opening gambit
1Strategic first move
a first move made to get an advantage
- His friendly joke was an opening gambit in a difficult negotiation.
- The low offer was clearly an opening gambit.
- As an opening gambit, she suggested a small trial project.
- His first offer was an opening gambit.
- The joke was her opening gambit.
- It was only an opening gambit.
opening hours
1Times a place is open
the times when a place is open
- The café's opening hours are posted on the door.
- Check the opening hours before you drive there.
- Holiday opening hours may be different.
- What are the opening hours?
- The shop's opening hours are short.
- Check the opening hours online.
opening night
1First public performance night
the first night of a show or event
- The actors were nervous before opening night.
- Tickets for the musical's opening night sold out quickly.
- Critics praised the play on opening night.
- Opening night is tomorrow.
- She bought tickets for opening night.
- The show was full on opening night.
opening statement
1First formal statement
a formal first statement that gives the main ideas
- The lawyer's opening statement lasted thirty minutes.
- In his opening statement, he explained the main argument.
- Each candidate gave a brief opening statement.
- She read her opening statement.
- The lawyer gave an opening statement.
- His opening statement was short.