open up

verb

opened up; opening up; opens up

transitive verb

1

: to make available or possible

The discovery opens up the possibility of new cures.

2

: to make plain or visible : disclose

3

: to open by cutting into

intransitive verb

1

: to become available or possible

The hostess will let us know when a table opens up.

2

: to spread out or come into view

The road opens up ahead.

3

: to commence firing

4

: to become communicative

tried to get the patient to open up

Examples of open up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Ford said the reopening of Michigan Central will see restaurants, coffee shops and bars open up, and that the building alone will have about 5,000 jobs attached to it. —Analisa Novak, CBS News, 5 June 2024

Larsa previously opened up to PEOPLE about how her coparenting situation works with Scottie in December. —Kimberlee Speakman, Peoplemag, 5 June 2024

The findings have meaning that go beyond canine parlor tricks, opening up the possibility of virtual human-dog communications, serving to entertain the animals and provide emotional support to human companions. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 5 June 2024

Although the Metroplex saw only a sprinkling of rain (0.28 inches) on the holiday, the next day the skies opened up making Tuesday the wettest day of May with nearly 2 inches (1.91) recorded. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

open up

verb

1

: to make available

2

: to make visible or come into view

the road opens up ahead

3

: to begin firing (as with a weapon or with questions)