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

The Stanford grad and WNBA star opens up about her broadcasting journey, the women's sports boom, and her vision for a cultural platform. —Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 25 Feb. 2025

Social media gives women a sense of anonymity to open up, speak to people going through the same thing, and be part of a community. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 25 Feb. 2025

Leon Thomas is opening up about fans comparing him to another R&B crooner. —Demicia Inman, VIBE.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Kylie Jenner is opening up about the pain of losing her longtime hairstylist and close friend, Jesus Guerrero. —Elizabeth Logan, Glamour, 25 Feb. 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)