pop-up

1 of 2

noun

ˈpäp-ˌəp 

1

: pop fly

2

: a component or device that pops up

3

: a pop-up book

4

: a pop-up window on a computer screen

pop-up

2 of 2

adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having a component or device that pops up

a pop-up book

2

: appearing suddenly: such as

a

computing : appearing suddenly on a screen over another window or display

a pop-up window

a pop-up ad

b

of a business : set up quickly for short-term operation in a temporary location

pop-up stores/shops

pop-up retail

The front lawn of nearly every home becomes either a parking lot or a pop-up market, perfect for hungry, thirsty fans held captive by the … lines of traffic.

—Juliet Macur

c

meteorology : appearing or developing quickly in isolation rather than as part of a line or grouping of storms

By Thursday you should be able to go coast to coast and see only pop-up thunderstorms …

—Paul Clark

Late summer is prime time for "pop-up" thunderstorms: storms born of hot, moist air that occur without regard to frontal activity or other large weather disturbances that are more easily understood.

—The Journal & Courier (Lafayette, Indiana)

Examples of pop-up in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The restaurant can also be used to host collaborative pop-ups, helping to shine a spotlight on up-and-coming chefs. —Brittany Anas, The Denver Post, 8 Nov. 2024

Then there was Prime Video, the streaming arm of the tech giant Amazon, which produced a ten-hour pop-up election-cast extravaganza pitched as a more streamlined alternative to its rivals and anchored by NBC émigré Brian Williams. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024

Adjective

This canopy has an easy pop-up design that uses a center pole for stability and height. —Katherine Alex Beaven, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2023

In addition, the hotels will encourage social encounters, interactions and experiences through a range of ‘pop-up corners’ dedicated to handicrafts, beauty or product tastings with partner brands. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1880, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

pop-up

1 of 2 noun

ˈpäp-ˌəp

1

: pop fly

2

: a pop-up window on a computer screen

pop-up

2 of 2 adjective

1

: of, relating to, or having a part or device that pops up

a pop-up book

2

: appearing suddenly on a computer screen

a pop-up window