opening meaning and definition

OPENING noun

Definition of opening (noun)

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

OPENING adjective

Definition of opening (adjective)

1. first or beginning
   • "the memorable opening bars of Beethoven's Fifth"; "the play's opening scene"
   • antonym: closing