pop-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈpäp-ˌəp 

1

: pop fly

2

: a component or device that pops up

3

: a pop-up book

4

: a pop-up window on a computer screen

pop-up

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having a component or device that pops up

a pop-up book

2

: appearing suddenly: such as

a

computing : appearing suddenly on a screen over another window or display

a pop-up window

a pop-up ad

b

of a business : set up quickly for short-term operation in a temporary location

pop-up stores/shops

pop-up retail

The front lawn of nearly every home becomes either a parking lot or a pop-up market, perfect for hungry, thirsty fans held captive by the … lines of traffic.

—Juliet Macur

c

meteorology : appearing or developing quickly in isolation rather than as part of a line or grouping of storms

By Thursday you should be able to go coast to coast and see only pop-up thunderstorms …

—Paul Clark

Late summer is prime time for "pop-up" thunderstorms: storms born of hot, moist air that occur without regard to frontal activity or other large weather disturbances that are more easily understood.

—The Journal & Courier (Lafayette, Indiana)

Examples of pop-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

His design has been inspired by our immersive Haight-Ashbury pop-up at the main entrance to the site and has transformed the campervan into a moving canvas. —Felicity Carter, Forbes.com, 12 Sep. 2025

Corridor 109 started out as a series of high-end pop-up dinners in L.A, at his family’s restaurant Kobawoo House. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 12 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Framebar was known for its popular, often monthlong, chef-in-residence programs and chef pop-ups that featured various metro Detroit chefs, including the Botezans’ 2019 pop-up events. —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 16 Sep. 2025

Chef Justin Fulton moved his Margot pop-up into a permanent space back in May serving a tasting menu with local and global influences at an eight-seat counter. —Jeremy Repanich, Robb Report, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for pop-up

• backup
• blowup
• breakup
• buildup
• checkup
• cleanup
• holdup
• hookup
• lineup
• lockup
• makeup
• markup

Kids Definition

pop-up

1 of 2 noun

ˈpäp-ˌəp

1

: pop fly

2

: a pop-up window on a computer screen

pop-up

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having a part or device that pops up

a pop-up book

2

: appearing suddenly on a computer screen

a pop-up window