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

The famous couple opens up about family life and why creating the dog food brand, Hartfelt, was important. —Anna Halkidis, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026

Zero Zero is currently reservation only and opens up spots a month prior. —Kansas City Star, 10 Feb. 2026

There are wildlife reserves, once beloved by Hollywood stars like John Wayne and Gregory Peck, where new lodges have begun opening up. —Lisa Grainger, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Feb. 2026

Margot Robbie opened up about an experience with body shaming during an interview with Charli XCX on February 9. —Lara Walsh, InStyle, 10 Feb. 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)