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

Bryan ultimately walked away from acting and has since opened up about his struggles with alcohol abuse and finding work in the aftermath of his childhood success. —Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Nov. 2025

While Darren Waller’s looming return could be seen as a threat to Waddle’s targets, the offense should open up as the tight end’s presence will likely shift slightly away from Miami’s go-to receiver. —Miami Herald, 30 Nov. 2025

Colorado potato producers, ranked second nationally, are talking to Japan about opening up trade. —Judith Kohler, Denver Post, 30 Nov. 2025

Many stores will open up early again Sunday morning, along with restaurants serving breakfast and brunch. —Ryan Hughes, CBS News, 30 Nov. 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)