English · Common Verbs
opening
/ˈəʊpənɪŋ/
[/ˈəʊpənɪŋ/]
present participle of open
Beginnerverb
Definition
Present participle of 'open': showing that someone is opening something now; also meaning a gap or chance.
Example
He is opening his birthday presents slowly, savouring the excitement of each one in turn.
He is opening his birthday presents slowly, savouring the excitement of each one in turn.
Etymology
From Old English 'openian', with the '-ing' ending forming the present participle.
How & Where It’s Used
Used with forms of 'be' for continuous tenses; as a noun it means a gap or vacancy.