ENGLISH
REFERENCE

opening

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˈoʊpənɪŋ// UK //ˈəʊpənɪŋ// open·ing General-service

n. a hole or space that something can pass through. It can also mean the start of an event or a job that is available for someone to take.

n. a gap or aperture allowing access or passage; alternatively, the initial stage of a ceremony or a vacant professional position.


SIMPLE

There is a small opening in the fence for the cat.

CONTEXTUAL

The company has an opening for a junior designer and is currently accepting applications.

COMPLEX

The architect designed a narrow opening in the ceiling to allow a single beam of light to illuminate the altar at midday.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English openynge, openande, openand, from Old English openiende, from Proto-West Germanic opanōndī, from Proto-Germanic upanōndz, present participle of *upanōną (“to open”), equivalent to open + -ing. Cognate with West Frisian iepenjend, Dutch openend, German öffnend, Swedish öppnande, Icelandic opnandi.

Etymology 2

From Middle English openyng, openynge, openunge, from Old English openung (“an opening”), from Proto-West Germanic opanungu, from Proto-Germanic upanungō (“an opening”), equivalent to open + -ing. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Eepenge, Epenge (“an opening”), West Frisian iepening (“an opening”), Dutch opening (“an opening”), German Öffnung (“an opening”), Danish åbning (“an opening”), Swedish öppning (“an opening”).

Usage

Commonly used to refer to job vacancies or the beginning of a formal event.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference