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

But for Oseman, their ending is intentionally open-ended and ambiguous. — Abbey White, HollywoodReporter, 18 July 2026

But Bruen rejected that approach and ruled that the government’s interest in preventing violence cannot justify vague or open-ended discretion over who may exercise a constitutional right. — George A. Mocsary, The Conversation, 7 July 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

This time around, however, the president could choose a much more difficult operation that could require a sustained and possibly open-ended battle, which is something Trump has refused to do thus far in his tenure. — Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 18 Feb. 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