Definition

1. Noun:

   • A gap, hole, or vacant space: An opening is a physical gap, hole, or clear space within or between objects.
   • A beginning or initial part: An opening is the first part or the start of something, such as an event, speech, or piece of music.
   • An opportunity, especially for a job: An opening is a favorable chance or a vacant position that is available.
   • A formal beginning ceremony: An opening can refer to a ceremony that marks the start of an enterprise or event.
   • The first performance of a show: An opening is the premiere or first public performance of a theatrical or artistic production.
   • The act of making something open: An opening is the action of moving something to an open position.
   • (Chess) A recognized initial sequence of moves: In chess, an opening is a standard series of initial moves.

2. Adjective:

   • First or beginning: Describes something that comes at the start.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • There was a small opening between the trees. (A gap)
  • The opening of his arms was the sign I was waiting for. (The act of opening)
  • The opening established the basic theme. (The initial part)
  • There is an opening in the sales department. (A job opportunity)
  • The opening received good critical reviews. (The first performance)
  • He memorized all the important chess openings. (Initial chess moves)

• Adjective:

  • The memorable opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth.
  • The play's opening scene.

Advanced Usage

• "To have an opening": To have an available time slot or opportunity.
  • My schedule has an opening at 3 p.m.
• "Opening up" (as a noun phrase derived from the verb 'open'): The process of becoming more accessible, revealing, or available.
  • The opening up of new markets is vital for growth.

Variants and Related Words

• Open (verb/adjective): The root word meaning not closed or to make accessible.
• Opener (noun): A tool for opening containers, or the first item in a series (e.g., the opening act of a concert).

Synonyms

• Noun: Beginning, start, commencement, gap, aperture, hole, vacancy, opportunity, chance.
• Adjective: Initial, first, introductory, inaugural.

Related Phrases

• Opening gambit: An initial action or remark intended to gain an advantage.
  • His opening gambit in the negotiation was surprisingly generous.
• Opening night: The first official public performance of a play, film, or show.
  • The cast was nervous before opening night.

Related Idioms

• "A window of opportunity": A closely related idiom meaning a limited period when something is possible. (This is a related concept, not a direct idiom using "opening").
• "In the opening stages": During the initial phases of a process or event.
  • In the opening stages of the project, we focused on research.

Adjective

1. first or beginning
   • the memorable opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth
   • the play's opening scene

Noun

1. the first of a series of actions
2. a recognized sequence of moves at the beginning of a game of chess
   • he memorized all the important chess openings
3. an entrance equipped with a hatch; especially a passageway between decks of a ship
4. a vacant or unobstructed space that is man-made
   • they left a small opening for the cat at the bottom of the door
5. an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity
   • the orifice into the aorta from the lower left chamber of the heart
6. a possible alternative
   • bankruptcy is always a possibility
7. the initial part of the introduction
   • the opening established the basic theme
8. opportunity especially for employment or promotion
   • there is an opening in the sales department
9. the act of opening something
   • the ray of light revealed his cautious opening of the door
10. the first performance (as of a theatrical production)
    • the opening received good critical reviews
11. becoming open or being made open
    • the opening of his arms was the sign I was waiting for
12. a ceremony accompanying the start of some enterprise
13. an open or empty space in or between things
    • there was a small opening between the trees
    • the explosion made a gap in the wall