opening
Beginning or first part
the start or first part of something
the opening of [something]
- The opening of the film shows a quiet street at dawn.
- I missed the opening of the lecture because my train was late.
- The novel's opening is funny and surprising.
- I liked the opening of the movie.
- We missed the opening of the show.
- The opening of the story is exciting.
First or initial
first, or at the beginning
opening [noun]
- The chair thanked everyone in her opening remarks.
- England scored in the opening minutes of the game.
- The opening chapter introduces the main character.
- She gave a short opening speech.
- I missed the opening song.
- The opening question was easy.
Hole or gap
a hole or space that lets things pass through
an opening in [something]
- Light came through a small opening in the roof.
- The dog squeezed through an opening under the gate.
- Cover any openings where cold air can get in.
- There is an opening in the wall.
- The mouse ran through a small opening.
- He looked through the opening.
Available chance or position
a job, time, or chance that is available
an opening for/in/on [something]
- The company has two openings for project managers.
- She waited for an opening in the conversation to ask her question.
- An opening came up in the afternoon schedule.
- I found a job opening online.
- We have one opening next week.
- He saw an opening and spoke.
Public launch or first opening
the time or event when a new place first opens to the public
the opening of [place/event]
- The opening of the new library drew a large crowd.
- The restaurant's opening was delayed until June.
- The mayor attended the official opening of the bridge.
- The store opening is on Friday.
- We went to the museum opening.
- The opening was very busy.
- 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.