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

Hailey Bieber is opening up about the difficulties that come along with postpartum. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 20 May 2025

In the article, Justin also opened up about the online criticism that his wife faces. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 May 2025

House of the Dragon star Milly Alcock is opening up about her bumpy landing in Westeros. —Emlyn Travis Published, EW.com, 20 May 2025

These roles will teach you how to run the business, open up opportunities, and accelerate the growth of your experience capital. —Kweilin Ellingrud, Forbes.com, 20 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)