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
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
The official said Scott and Rubio were informed that Biden intended to move forward with Shaw-Wilder as the president’s choice for the federal judge opening in Miami in the weeks before her nomination was officially announced in late March.
—
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
Quiet luxury continues its reign in L.A. with the opening of Toteme on Melrose.
—The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for opening 
Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 31 May 2024
Quiet luxury continues its reign in L.A. with the opening of Toteme on Melrose.
—The Editors, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for opening
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'opening.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near opening
Cite this Entry
“Opening.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/opening. Accessed 3 Jun. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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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