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

This opens up a new window for studying these fascinating events. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 25 May 2026

However, a change may be in order, thanks to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires smartphone manufacturers to open up features to third-party providers, Gurman says. —Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 25 May 2026

Earlier this month, Dunne opened up about her rituals for watching Skenes play while appearing on The Tonight Show. —Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 25 May 2026

Taylor Decker, Cam Robinson and Mekhi Becton are opening up running lanes for Najee Harris or Nick Chubb, and protecting quarterbacks Russell Wilson or Jimmy Garoppolo. —Omar Kelly may 25, Miami Herald, 25 May 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)