opening

1. 1

   present participle and gerund of openform-ofgerundparticiple

1. 1

   Pertaining to the start or beginning of a series of events.not-comparable

   • The opening theme of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is, perhaps, the most recognizable in all of European art music.
2. 2

   Of the first period of play, usually up to the fall of the first wicket.not-comparable

3. 3

   Of the batsman who opens the innings or of a bowler who opens the attack.not-comparable

1. 1

   An act or instance of making or becoming open.

   • The daily openings of the day lily bloom gives it its name.
   • He remembered fondly the Christmas morning opening of presents.
2. 2

   A gap permitting passage through.

   • A salamander darted out of an opening in the rocks.
   • He slipped through an opening in the crowd.
3. 3

   An act or instance of beginning.

   • There have been few factory and store openings in the US lately.
   • Their opening of the concert with Brass in Pocket always fires up the crowd.
4. 4

   Something that is a beginning.; The first performance of a show or play by a particular troupe.

   • They were disappointed at the turnout for their opening, but hoped that word would spread.
5. 5

   Something that is a beginning.; The initial period when an art exhibition, fashion show, etc. is first opened, especially the first evening.

   • The French openings decided that satin gowns, suits, wraps and even hats were to be in first fashion this autumn.
6. 6

   Something that is a beginning.; The first few measures of a musical composition.

7. 7

   Something that is a beginning.; The first few moves in a game.

   • John spends two hours a day studying chess openings, and another two hours studying endgames.
8. 8

   Something that is a beginning.; The initial movement in a market when it opens.

   • If overnight the S&P futures value moves beyond 1,425, that could indicate a higher opening for S&P 500 and generally the stock market. If, however, it stands below 1,425 this could be an indicator of a weak opening.
9. 9

   A vacant position, especially in an array.

   • Are there likely to be any openings on the Supreme Court in the next four years?
10. 10

    A vacant position, especially in an array.; A time available in a schedule.

    • If you'd like to make a booking with us, we have an opening at twelve o'clock.
    • The only two-hour openings for the hockey rink are between 1AM and 5AM.

syn. gap · crevice · interspace