English Reference

Word

opener

Phoneticsopen·er

US/ˈoʊpənɝ/

UK/ˈəʊpənɐ/

Definitions

01a tool for containers

B1

n. a tool used to open things like cans or bottles.

n. a mechanical device designed to open sealed containers, specifically cans or bottles.

“I can't find the bottle opener anywhere in the kitchen drawer.”

“The electric can opener proved to be an essential kitchen appliance for the elderly chef who struggled with manual tools.”

Synonyms

can-openerbottle-opener

02the first event

B2

n. the first game in a season or the first part of a show.

n. the initial event in a series, such as the first game of a sports season or the first act of a performance.

“The team lost their season opener, but they played much better in the second game.”

“The season opener attracted a record-breaking crowd, setting a high bar for the remainder of the tournament's scheduled matches.”

Antonyms

03a starting remark

B2

n. the first thing you say to start a conversation.

n. an initial remark or sentence intended to initiate a conversation or debate.

“He used a joke as an opener to make the interview feel more relaxed.”

“Choosing the right conversational opener is a critical skill for networking events where first impressions are formed within seconds.”

Informal

04cricket/baseball player

C1 · Sport

n. a player who starts the game, like a batsman in cricket or a pitcher in baseball.

n. a player who occupies the first position in a batting order or a pitcher who starts the game for a limited duration.

“The team's best opener was out for a duck in the first over.”

“The manager decided to use an opener for the first two innings before bringing in the primary relief pitcher to handle the middle of the game.”

Technical

Usage

In cricket, it refers to the first two batsmen; in modern baseball, it refers to a specific pitching strategy.

Real-World Examples

“Missing game-changing moments like this shouldn’t happen – it has cost us at least two, maybe three points.” Aune Heggebø (right) appeared to score West Brom’s opener against Norwich with his arm.”
The Guardian · 15 Aug 2026
“The teenager needed little more than 20 seconds to remind Thomas Tuchel what England were missing this summer with his brilliant pass for Riccardo Calafiori’s opener.”
The Guardian · 16 Aug 2026

Etymology

From open + -er.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Domains

FishingSportsTheater

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Frequent
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/opener

English Reference