open-end

adjective

ˈō-pən-ˈend 

: 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

Pure and simple, open-ended as a fishing line. — David Searcy, Harpers Magazine, 30 Dec. 2025

Starbucks United said the new strike is open-ended and could spread to many more unionized locations. — Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 Nov. 2025

Unlike chaotic and open-ended piles, trays help our homes feel and look calm, even if they're not perfectly organized. — Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Jan. 2026

Beijing appears to be willing to be patient, allowing Washington to become mired in a costly and open-ended confrontation with Iran. — Amena Bakr, semafor.com, 14 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1917, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for open-end

• apprehend
• comprehend
• condescend
• dividend
• recommend
• resuspend
• amend
• append
• ascend
• attend
• backend
• befriend

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