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

Kyle Busch has opened up on the future of the NASCAR Cup Series as his son, Brexton, advances in his own racing career. —Justin Gest, Newsweek, 21 Jan. 2025

By merging the eyewear and hearing assistance markets, EssilorLuxottica is opening up potential revenue streams and redefining what accessibility products can be. —Bill Schiffmiller, Forbes, 20 Jan. 2025

That opens up an opportunity for a metal smelter that sits outside of China. —Nicholas Gordon, Fortune Asia, 20 Jan. 2025

Meri then opened up to Sullivan about another concern of hers. —Gil MacIas, People.com, 20 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)