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 Dear Future Mama author has opened up about parenting on several occasions, even sharing her desire to one day have a daughter. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

Within hours of opening up applications on Thursday, the program had received over 3,300 applications, the Tax Commission said. —Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 20 Jan. 2026

Growing pains This change is not wholly unprecedented, as Nadella pointed out, comparing the current moment to that of the 1980s, when computing revolutionized the workplace and opened up new opportunities for growth and productivity and created a new class of workers. —Jake Angelo, Fortune, 20 Jan. 2026

Luria said the sell-off has opened up a good entry point for investors. —Pia Singh, CNBC, 20 Jan. 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)