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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Cornhuskers opened up this tournament on Monday night with a game against Arizona State and won 86-78. Jason D. Greenblatt, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 In a new cover story, Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Teddi Mellencamp exclusively opened up to Us Weekly about her battle with cancer. Meredith Nardino, Miami Herald, 2 Apr. 2025 The Emily in Paris star, 33, who partnered with Baileys to launch the brand’s first non-dairy liqueur made with oat milk, opened up to PEOPLE about the challenges of finding the right things to make life sweeter while staying healthy. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 2 Apr. 2025 And the law since 2016 has opened up the possibility that any candidate who has been convicted for embezzlement of public funds is immediately ineligible, and cannot run. Isaac Chotiner, New Yorker, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for open up

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of open up was in 1582

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Cite this Entry

“Open up.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/open%20up. Accessed 14 Apr. 2025.

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)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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