1
a
: an act or instance of making or becoming open
b
: an act or instance of beginning : commencement
especially
: a formal and usually public event by which something new is put officially into operation
2
3
: something that constitutes a beginning: such as
a
: a usually planned series of moves made at the beginning of a game of chess or checkers compare endgame, middle game
b
: a first performance
attended the play's opening
Examples of opening in a Sentence
the opening of a cave
They squeezed through a narrow opening between the fence and an oak tree.
The enemy's troops poured through an opening in our defenses.
We went to the play's opening.
Recent Examples on the Web
History suggests that without robust organization, protest cycles repeat fruitlessly—or worse, create openings for intervention or authoritarian alternatives.
—
Narges Bajoghli, Time, 13 Jan. 2026
The 76ers made 27 of 37 field goals in the opening half, including 13 of 20 from long range, and shot 13 for 13 at the free throw line.
—CBS News, 13 Jan. 2026
The game was a defensive slugfest from the opening kickoff, with both teams exchanging punts on their opening possessions.
—Kevin Dotson, CNN Money, 13 Jan. 2026
From Teyana Taylor’s opening win to ‘Sinners’ not receiving Best Drama, the night sparked conversation across film and television.
—Okla Jones, Essence, 12 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for opening
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Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opening. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids Definition
opening
noun
open·ing
ˈōp-(ə-)niŋ 
1
: an act or instance of making or becoming open
the opening of a new store
welcome to our grand opening
2
3
: beginning sense 2
the opening of fishing season
4
a
: occasion entry 1 sense 1, chance
saw an opening to run with the ball
b
: a job opportunity
openings for welders and machinists
Medical Definition
opening
noun
open·ing
ˈōp-(ə-)niŋ
1
: an act or instance of making or becoming open
2
: something (as an anatomical aperture) that is open or opens
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