: organized to allow for contingencies: such as
a
: permitting additional debt to be incurred under the original indenture subject to specified conditions
an open-end mortgage
b
: having a fluctuating capitalization of shares that are issued or redeemed at the current net asset value or at a figure in fixed ratio to this
an open-end investment company
compare closed-end

Examples of open-end in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The conditions, former prisoners recounted, are often so ghastly and the prison terms so open-ended that desperate inmates frequently attempt to escape, but those who try are often gunned down. Katharine Houreld, Washington Post, 6 Jan. 2024 The sea rescue center offers multiple ways to play, and is open-ended enough that a child could add in elements from other Lego Friends sets to expand it. Sarah Bradley, Parents, 16 Nov. 2023 Unlike open-end funds, which are far more common, closed-end funds don't issue or redeem new shares based on demand. Jack Pitcher, WSJ, 31 July 2023 In an open-end lease, if the value of the car is less than the salvageable value, the lessee might need to pay for the difference between the salvageable value and the car's fair market value. Elizabeth Rivelli, Car and Driver, 12 July 2023 The other 40 percent was very open-ended from night to night. Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2023 The Craftsman mechanic tool set features 10 open-end wrenches for getting into tight spots. Brandon Russell, Popular Mechanics, 31 May 2023 The slim and open-ended story is recounted indirectly, with relatively little dialogue. Mark Jenkins, Washington Post, 16 May 2023 And open-end mutual funds reprice at fair value daily in accordance with the SEC’s Investment Company Act Rule 2a-4. Robert Litan, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'open-end.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of open-end was in 1917

Dictionary Entries Near open-end

Cite this Entry

“Open-end.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open-end. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Legal Definition

open-end

adjective
: organized to allow for contingencies: as
a
: permitting additional debt to be incurred under the original debt instrument subject to specified conditions see also open-end mortgage at mortgage
b
: having fluctuating capitalization of shares that are issued or redeemed at the current net asset value or at a figure in fixed ratio to this
an open-end investment company
compare closed-end
c
: calling for the filling by a particular contractor of all government needs for a specific product during a specified period
an open-end contract
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