a space or gap that allows passage or access

an opening in the roof would get rid of the smoke

a beginning; an initial part

Maya started tapping out the opening of her story

an opportunity to achieve something

they seem to have exploited fully the openings offered

coming at the beginning of something; initial

she stole the show with her opening remark

move (a door or window) so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

she opened the door and went in

‘Open up!’ he said

unfold or be unfolded; spread out

the eagle opened its wings and circled up into the air

the tail looks like a fan when it is opened out fully

the flowers only open during bright weather

make formally ready for customers, visitors, or business

she raised £731 by opening her home and selling coffee and tea

formally establish or begin (a new business or enterprise)

she began to teach and opened her own school

we opened up a branch in Madrid

make (something) present, available, or accessible

a civil war there has opened the possibility of a peace treaty with the Federation

(of a piece of writing or music) begin

the chapter opens with a discussion of Anglo-Irish relations

break the conducting path of (an electric circuit)

the switch opens the motor circuit