pops; popped; popping
1
a
: to suddenly break open or come away from something often with a short, loud noise
The balloon popped. [=burst]
We heard the sound of corks popping as the celebration began.
One of the buttons popped off my sweater.
Don't pop that balloon!
She popped the cork on the champagne. [=she opened the bottle of champagne by removing the cork]
b
: to make a short, loud noise
Guns were popping in the distance.
2
: to cook (popcorn)
We popped some popcorn in the microwave.
The popcorn is done popping.
3
informal
a
: to come from, into, or out of a place suddenly or briefly
I didn't mean to say that—it just popped out.
Her shoulder popped out of its socket.
He opened the box, and out popped a mouse.
A funny thought just popped into my head. [=I just thought of something funny]
The cathedral suddenly popped into view. [=I could suddenly see the cathedral]
Her father pops in and out of her life. [=her father is sometimes involved in her life and sometimes not]
b
always followed by an adverb or preposition
: to go to or from a place quickly, suddenly, or briefly
If you are busy, I can pop back in later.
She popped over for a cup of tea. = (Brit) She popped round for a cup of tea.
My neighbor popped in for a visit.
I need to pop into the drugstore for some film.
She popped out for a minute. She should be back soon.
I'll pop down to the post office during my break.
4
always followed by an adverb or preposition informal
: to put (something) in, into, or onto a place suddenly or briefly
She popped a CD in the player.
He popped a quarter in the jukebox.
I popped a grape into my mouth.
He popped [=stuck] his head out the window.
5
Note: When your ears pop, you feel a sudden change of pressure in your ears as you are going up or down in an airplane, on a steep road, etc.
6
Note: If your eyes pop, they open very wide because you are surprised, afraid, excited, etc.
7
US, informal
: to hit (someone)
I felt like popping him (one).
8
baseball
: to hit a pop fly
He popped [=popped up] to the second baseman in the first inning.
The batter popped out. [=hit a pop fly that was caught for an out]
9
US, informal
: to open and drink (a bottle or can of beer)
They stopped at a bar to pop a few beers after work.
plural pops
always used before a noun
1
: of or relating to things that are popular and often talked about on television, in newspapers, etc.
pop culture/psychology/fiction
2
: of or relating to popular music
pop rock
a pop singer/star [=a person who sings popular music]
plural pops
1
: music that is popular
The radio station plays pop.
2
US
: an orchestra that plays popular music
—used in names
the Boston/Cincinnati Pops
plural pops
US, informal + old-fashioned
1
: a person's father
—usually singular
Hey Pop, can I borrow one of your ties?
My pop likes watching football.
2
often humorous
—used as a form of address for an old man
Need help with that package, pops?
Cite this Entry
“Pop.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/pop. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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