opening questions

noun phrase

UK /ˈəʊpənɪŋ ˈkwestʃənz/

US /ˈoʊpənɪŋ ˈkwestʃənz/

Questions you ask at the start to help people talk.

The teacher used opening questions to get the class talking about the story.

SYNONYMS

starter questions warm-up questions icebreaker questions introductory questions lead-in questions

RELATED WORDS

conversation starters discussion prompts interview questions small talk engagement

OTHER MEANINGS

2. The first set of questions in a quiz or test.

The opening questions on the exam were easy, but the last ones were hard.

3. Questions that begin a formal meeting or interview.

The host's opening questions helped the guest feel relaxed.

4. Questions that introduce a topic before deeper discussion.

Her opening questions about the topic made everyone curious.