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

As more women open up about the hormonal fluctuations that shape nearly every phase of our lives, intimate care is becoming a meaningful part of both the wellness conversation and our daily routines. —Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 25 June 2025

Johansson also isn't the only famous name on the list to have opened up about experiencing food insecurity firsthand as a child. —Meredith Kile, People.com, 25 June 2025

Todd and Julie Chrisley are opening up about the presidential pardon that got them out of prison. —Lauren Huff Published, EW.com, 25 June 2025

While talking to Us Weekly in May, the pair opened up about wanting to start a family. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 24 June 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)