opener

UK: /ˈəʊpənə^r/ US: /ˈoʊpənɚ/ ,(ō′pə nər)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•pen•er /ˈoʊpənɚ/   n. [countable]

1. a person or thing that opens.
2. a device for opening sealed containers or cans:
   a can opener.
3. the first of several theatrical numbers, sports events, etc.

Idioms

4. Idioms for openers, to begin with:
   For openers, we need to discuss the plans.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

o•pen•er  (ō′pə nər), n. 

1. a person or thing that opens.
2. a device for opening sealed containers:
   can opener.
3. the first of several theatrical numbers, variety acts, sports events, etc.:
   a humorous monologue as an opener.
4. Games openers, [Poker.] cards in a hand, as a pair of jacks or better, that according to a given standard are worth enough to enable the holder to make the first bet of a deal.
5. Idioms for openers, as an initially stated reason or argument;
   at the outset;
   to begin with:
   Well, for openers, I don't have the money.

• open + -er¹ 1540–50

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

opener / ˈəʊpənə/ noun

1. an instrument used to open sealed containers such as tins or bottles: a bottle opener
2. a person who opens, esp the player who makes the first bid or play
3. the first or opening section or episode in a series
4. the first song, act, etc, in a variety show
5. (plural) a start; beginning (esp in the phrase for openers)