opening

(noun) an open or empty space in or between things. Synonyms: gap. Examples: "There was a small opening between the trees." "The explosion made a gap in the wall."

(noun) a ceremony accompanying the start of some enterprise.

(noun) becoming open or being made open. Examples: "The opening of his arms was the sign i was waiting for."

(noun) the first performance (as of a theatrical production). Synonyms: opening night, curtain raising. Examples: "The opening received good critical reviews."

(noun) the act of opening something. Examples: "The ray of light revealed his cautious opening of the door."

(noun) opportunity especially for employment or promotion. Examples: "There is an opening in the sales department."

(noun) the initial part of the introduction. Examples: "The opening established the basic theme."

(noun) a possible alternative. Synonyms: possibility, possible action. Examples: "Bankruptcy is always a possibility."

(noun) an aperture or hole that opens into a bodily cavity. Synonyms: orifice, porta. Examples: "The orifice into the aorta from the lower left chamber of the heart."

(noun) a vacant or unobstructed space that is man-made. Examples: "They left a small opening for the cat at the bottom of the door."

(noun) an entrance equipped with a hatch; especially a passageway between decks of a ship. Synonyms: hatchway, scuttle.

(noun) a recognized sequence of moves at the beginning of a game of chess. Synonyms: chess opening. Examples: "He memorized all the important chess openings."

(noun) the first of a series of actions. Synonyms: first step, initiative, opening move.

(verb) cause to open or to become open. Synonyms: open, open up. Examples: "Mary opened the car door."

(verb) start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning. Synonyms: open, open up. Examples: "Open a business."

(verb) become open. Synonyms: open, open up. Examples: "The door opened."

(verb) begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.. Synonyms: open. Examples: "He opened the meeting with a long speech."

(verb) spread out or open from a closed or folded state. Synonyms: unfold, spread, spread out, open. Examples: "Open the map." "Spread your arms."

(verb) make available. Synonyms: open, open up. Examples: "This opens up new possibilities."

(verb) become available. Synonyms: open, open up. Examples: "An opportunity opened up."

(verb) have an opening or passage or outlet. Synonyms: open. Examples: "The bedrooms open into the hall."

(verb) make the opening move. Synonyms: open. Examples: "Kasparov opened with a standard opening."

(verb) afford access to. Synonyms: afford, open, give. Examples: "The door opens to the patio." "The french doors give onto a terrace."

(verb) display the contents of a file or start an application as on a computer. Synonyms: open.

(adj) first or beginning. Synonyms: opening (vs. closing). Examples: "The memorable opening bars of beethoven's fifth." "The play's opening scene."