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

On Saturday, the British artist opened up to his audience at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field. — Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 22 Sep. 2026

If a direct question stalls out, shifting the format – rather than repeating the question – can help children open up. — Anahi Collado, The Conversation, 22 Sep. 2026

Naturally, Whitley was interested when the Westlake job opened up last November. — Jack Leo, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026

And one of its most valuable assets is the ground game’s ability to open up the passing offense. — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 21 Sep. 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)