What does opener mean?
An opener is, most commonly, a tool used to open a can, bottle, package, or other sealed object. The term also refers more broadly to whatever introduces or begins an activity: a person may be the official opener of an event, a statement may serve as an opener for a discussion, and a film or performance may have an opening sequence. In sports, an opener can be the first game of a season or a series. The word is informal and widely understood in British and American English, and its meaning depends on the context. Because it derives from open, an opener is anything that facilitates entry or marks a beginning. It is a useful word for describing both physical acts of opening and figurative acts of initiating a conversation, event, performance, or competition.
nounA tool or device used to open something, especially a can, bottle, or package. More broadly, an opener is a person, statement, shot, or event that begins a performance, activity, or sequence.
- A tool or instrument designed for opening cans, bottles, packages, or other sealed objects.
- A person who officially begins an event, performance, ceremony, or game.
- An opening statement, shot, or sequence that introduces a film, performance, or other presentation.
- A preliminary game, especially the first game of a sports season or series.
"She used the bottle opener to remove the cap before dinner."
"The host called the starting lineup onto the field as the season opener."
"Her direct question served as an opener for a lengthy discussion about the proposed changes."
The plural is used for multiple tools, people, introductory events, or opening performances.
"The concert began with two acoustic openers by local musicians."
An opener may be called a bottle opener, can opener, or gift opener, but the basic idea is the same: a small tool that grants access to what is sealed inside.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does opener come from?
Opener is formed from the English word open and the suffix -er, which identifies a person or thing associated with performing an action. Its basic sense therefore developed from the idea of something that opens containers and broadened to refer to people and events that begin something else. Related forms such as open, opening, openly, and openness share the same verbal and adjectival root.
How opener is actually used
The word is common in British and American English. When referring to a utensil, it is usually used with the object being opened, as in "can opener" or "bottle opener." In sports and entertainment, it can refer to an introductory event, performance, statement, or shot.