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

Other celebrities such as Travis Barker, Ashton Kutcher, and George Clooney have opened up about their battle with the condition. —Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 9 May 2025

In January, weeks after the fire, Sean, 36, opened up about supporting Aiko through a miscarriage. —Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 8 May 2025

The Truth Behind Her Previous Public Relationship Karol opens up about her extremely public former relationship with Puerto Rican rapper Anuel AA. —Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 8 May 2025

McEntire, who is set to host the Academy of Country Music Awards on Thursday, opened up about her relationship with the actor while walking the red carpet ahead of the biggest nights in country music. —Lauryn Overhultz , Larry Fink, FOXNews.com, 8 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for open up

• buttercup
• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup

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)