opener

English [edit]

From open + -er.

opener (plural openers)

A device that opens something; specifically a tin-opener/can-opener, or a bottle opener.
(card games) The player who starts the betting.
(card games) (in plural openers) Cards of sufficient value to enable a player to open the betting.
(theater) The first act in a variety show.
(cricket) A batsman who normally plays in the first two positions of an innings.
(colloquial) The first in a series of events, items etc.; the first remark or sentence of a conversation.
(sports) The first game played in a competition
- 2011 Septembe 24, Ben Dirs, “Rugby World Cup 2011: England 67-3 Romania”, BBC Sport:
  
  England were on the scoreboard after only one minute, Wilkinson, who missed five penalties in his side's opener against the Pumas, knocking over a three-pointer from bang in front, despite boos from the crowd.
(sports) The first goal or point scored.
- 2011 January 15, Saj Chowdhury, “Man City 4 - 3 Wolves”, BBC:
  
  The opener came from a Jarvis ball which struck Aleksandar Kolarov en route to a lively round of pinball between City players before it was poked in by Milijas.

device that opens something

tin-/can-opener See tin-opener/can-opener

bottle-opener See bottle opener

player who starts the betting

openers: cards of sufficient value to enable a player to open the betting

first act in a variety show

batsman who normally plays in the first two positions of an innings

first in a series of events