1 [count] : a hole or empty space that you can go through
▪ 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. 2 [count] : the first part of something : beginning — usually singular ▪ We missed the opening of her speech. ▪ He injured himself two weeks after the opening of the season. ▪ the opening of the school year ▪ The story has a clever opening. 3 [count] : the first time that something happens
▪ We attended the opening [=the first performance] of the play. ▪ We went to the play's opening. 4 [count] : an event that is held in order to announce that something (such as a new store or public building) is ready to accept customers or visitors
▪ Come help us celebrate the official opening of the library. ▪ the opening of a new art exhibit — see also grand opening 5 [count] : a job or position that is available
▪ We do have an opening for someone with your qualifications and experience. ▪ We don't currently have any openings. ▪ a job opening 6 [count] : a chance or opportunity to do or say something
▪ She was waiting for an opening to tell her story. ▪ I saw an opening and went for it. 7 [noncount] : the act of causing something to open or of becoming open
▪ It has been 10 years since the opening of the café. ▪ the opening of a bank account ▪ the opening of the area for mining ▪ the opening of diplomatic relations between the two countries ▪ the opening (up) of the land to settlers