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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
During his segment, the actor opened up about his recent string of out-there looks, which also included teeny-tiny shorts and long hair. Madison E. Goldberg, PEOPLE, 13 Jan. 2026 Both offenses opened up in the second. Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 13 Jan. 2026 In 2023, Lewis opened up to Rolling Stone about her adoption story with Bobby Rhubarb. Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 13 Jan. 2026 After Winter’s death in November, Lindstedt was appointed last month to fulfill the last year of her term, opening up another new slot in the House. Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 13 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for open up

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of open up was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Open up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20up. Accessed 14 Jan. 2026.

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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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