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

Both in Serbia and Hungary, many have expressed hope that ousting their autocratic governments would open up a chance for a new generation of political representation and genuine democratic participation. — Jovana Gec, Arkansas Online, 27 Oct. 2026

Between chatting with volunteers and meeting fans, Kate opened up a bit about family life. — Ilaria Perrotta, Vanity Fair, 27 Oct. 2026

The music resolves and smoke rolls into the gallery before the screen opens up and the real Endeavour gleams in the distance, spotlighted like a mirage in the dark. — Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Growing up on the color line By the time Levis was a young man, his family had relocated to Panama, drawn by the economic opportunities opening up around the canal. — Zachary Kranc, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026

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)