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

Russian drone makers likely see this as an opportunity to open up a new market and make serious money. —David Hambling, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

But then the opportunity opened up at Barry, and Bohler turned down an offer to play NAIA volleyball in Arizona. —Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 8 Jan. 2025

After the governor and secretary of state approve the proposals, the commission opens up the rules for 30 days of public comment. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 8 Jan. 2025

Since World War II, the people of Greenland have wanted to open up to the world and move beyond dependency on Denmark. —Tommy Tuberville, Newsweek, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

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)