open
♦♦♦ open /'oʊpən/ (opens opening opened)
1 [VERB] V n, V
If you open something such as a door, window, or lid, or if it opens, its position is changed so that it no longer covers a hole or gap.
He opened the window and looked out...
The church doors would open and the crowd would surge out.
≠ close, shut
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
...an open window...
A door had been forced open.
2 [VERB] V n, V n
If you open something such as a bottle, box, parcel, or envelope, you move, remove, or cut part of it so you can take out what is inside.
The Inspector opened the packet of cigarettes...
The capsules are fiddly to open.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
...an open bottle of milk...
I tore the letter open.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
Open up means the same as open.
He opened up a cage and lifted out a 6ft python.
3 [VERB] V n, V
If you open something such as a book, an umbrella, or your hand, or if it opens, the different parts of it move away from each other so that the inside of it can be seen.
He opened the heavy Bible...
The officer's mouth opened, showing white, even teeth.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
Without warning, Bardo smacked his fist into his open hand...
His mouth was a little open, as if he'd started to scream.
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P, also V P n (not pron)
Open out means the same as open.
Keith took a map from the dashboard and opened it out on his knees.
...oval tables which open out to become circular.
4 [VERB] V n
If you open a computer file, you give the computer an instruction to display it on the screen. (COMPUTING)
Double click on the icon to open the file.
5 [VERB] V n, V
When you open your eyes or your eyes open, you move your eyelids upwards, for example when you wake up, so that you can see.
When I opened my eyes I saw a man with an axe standing at the end of my bed...
His eyes were opening wide.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
As soon as he saw that her eyes were open he sat up.
6 [VERB] V n
If you open your arms, you stretch them wide apart in front of you, usually in order to put them round someone.
She opened her arms and gave me a big hug.
7 [ADJ]
If you describe a person or their character as open, you mean they are honest and do not want or try to hide anything or to deceive anyone.
He had always been open with her and she always felt she would know if he lied...
She has an open, trusting nature.
● openness [N-UNCOUNT]
...a relationship based on honesty and openness.
8 [ADJ] ADJ n
If you describe a situation, attitude, or way of behaving as open, you mean it is not kept hidden or secret.
The action is an open violation of the Vienna Convention...
Hearing the case in open court is only one part of the judicial process.
● openness [N-UNCOUNT]
...the new climate of political openness.
9 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to n
If you are open to suggestions or ideas, you are ready and willing to consider or accept them.
They are open to suggestions on how working conditions might be improved.
= receptive
10 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to n
If you say that a system, person, or idea is open to something such as abuse or criticism, you mean they might receive abuse or criticism because of their qualities, effects, or actions.
The system, though well-meaning, is open to abuse...
= susceptible
11 [ADJ] oft v-link ADJ to n
If you say that a fact or question is open to debate, interpretation, or discussion, you mean that people are uncertain whether it is true, what it means, or what the answer is.
It is an open question how long that commitment can last.
12 [VERB] V n, V
If people open something such as a blocked road or a border, or if it opens, people can then pass along it or through it.
The rebels have opened the road from Monrovia to the Ivory Coast...
The solid rank of police officers lining the courtroom opened to let them pass.
≠ close
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
We were part of an entire regiment that had nothing else to do but to keep that highway open.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
Open up means the same as open.
As rescue workers opened up roads today, it became apparent that some small towns were totally devastated...
When the Berlin Wall came down it wasn't just the roads that opened up but the waterways too.
13 [VERB] V into/onto/to n
If a place opens into another, larger place, you can move from one directly into the other.
The corridor opened into a low smoky room.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P into/onto/to n
Open out means the same as open.
...narrow streets opening out into charming squares.
14 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
An open area is a large area that does not have many buildings or trees in it.
Officers will also continue their search of nearby open ground.
15 [ADJ] ADJ n
An open structure or object is not covered or enclosed.
Don't leave a child alone in a room with an open fire.
...open sandwiches.
16 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
An open wound is one from which a liquid such as blood is coming.
17 [VERB] V n
If you open your shirt or coat, you undo the buttons or pull down the zip.
I opened my coat and let him see the belt.
[ADJ] ADJ n, v-link ADJ
Open is also an adjective.
The top can be worn buttoned up or open over a T-shirt.
18 [VERB] V, V n, V-ing
When a shop, office, or public building opens or is opened, its doors are unlocked and the public can go in.
Banks closed on Friday afternoon and did not open again until Monday morning.
...a gang of three who'd apparently been lying in wait for him to open the shop.
...opening and closing times.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
His shop is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
19 [VERB] V, V to n, V n
When a public building, factory, or company opens or when someone opens it, it starts operating for the first time.
The original station opened in 1754...
The complex opens to the public tomorrow...
They are planning to open a factory in Eastern Europe...
≠ close, shut
[ADJ] v-link ADJ
Open is also an adjective.
...any operating subsidy required to keep the pits open.
● opening [N-COUNT] usu sing
He was there, though, for the official opening.
20 [VERB] V, V n
If something such as a meeting or series of talks opens, or if someone opens it, it begins.
...an emergency session of the Russian Parliament due to open later this morning...
They are now ready to open negotiations.
● opening [N-SING] the N of n
...a communique issued at the opening of the talks.
21 [VERB] V with n, V by -ing, V n with n, also V n by -ing
If an event such as a meeting or discussion opens with a particular activity or if a particular activity opens an event, that activity is the first thing that happens or is dealt with. You can also say that someone such as a speaker or singer opens by doing a particular thing.
The service opened with a hymn...
I opened by saying, `Honey, you look sensational.'...
Pollard opened the conversation with some small talk.
= begin
≠ end
22 [VERB] V prep/adv, V adj
On the stock exchange, the price at which currencies, shares, or commodities open is their value at the start of that day's trading. (BUSINESS)
Gold declined $2 in Zurich to open at 385.50...
In Paris and Milan, the dollar opened almost unchanged.
≠ close
23 [VERB] V
When a film, play, or other public event opens, it begins to be shown, be performed, or take place for a limited period of time.
A photographic exhibition opens at the Royal College of Art on Wednesday...
● opening [N-SING] the N of n
He is due to attend the opening of the Asian Games on Saturday.
24 [VERB] V n
If you open an account with a bank or a commercial organization, you begin to use their services.
He tried to open an account at the branch of his bank nearest to his workplace.
25 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to n
If an opportunity or choice is open to you, you are able to do a particular thing if you choose to.
There are a wide range of career opportunities open to young people.
26 [VERB] V n, V
To open opportunities or possibilities means the same as to open them up.
The chief of naval operations wants to open opportunities for women in the Navy...
A series of fortunate opportunities opened to him.
27 [ADJ]
You can use open to describe something that anyone is allowed to take part in or accept.
A recent open meeting of College members revealed widespread dissatisfaction...
A portfolio approach would keep entry into the managerial profession open and flexible.
...an open invitation.
28 [ADJ] v-link ADJ
If something such as an offer or job is open, it is available for someone to accept or apply for.
The offer will remain open until further notice.
see also opening 6
29 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you do something in the open, you do it out of doors rather than in a house or other building.
Many are sleeping in the open because they have no shelter.
30 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If an attitude or situation is in the open or out in the open, people know about it and it is no longer kept secret.
The medical service had advised us to keep it a secret, but we wanted it in the open.
31 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If something is wide open, it is open to its full extent.
The child had left the inner door wide open.
32 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you say that a competition, race, or election is wide open, you mean that anyone could win it, because there is no competitor who seems to be much better than the others.
The competition has been thrown wide open by the absence of the world champion.
33
with open arms: see arm
to open the door: see door
to keep your eyes open: see eye
with your eyes open: see eye
to open your eyes: see eye
to open fire: see fire
to open your heart: see heart
the heavens open: see heaven
an open mind: see mind
to open your mind: see mind
to keep your options open: see optionopen day (open days)
[N-COUNT]
An open day is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular school, university, or other institution to see what it is like. (BRIT; in AM, use open house)open house
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
If you say that someone keeps open house, you mean that they welcome friends or visitors to their house whenever they arrive and allow them to stay for as long as they want to.
Father Illtyd kept open house and the boys would congregate in his study during their recreation time, playing cards or games.
2 [N-VAR] also N n
An open house is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular institution or place to see what it is like. (AM; in BRIT, use open day)
A week later, Sara and I attended open house at Ted's school...open let|ter (open letters)
[N-COUNT]
An open letter is a letter that is published in a newspaper or magazine. It is addressed to a particular person but is intended for the general reader, usually in order to protest or give an opinion about something.
The Lithuanian parliament also sent an open letter to the United Nations.open mar|ket
[N-SING] the N
Goods that are bought and sold on the open market are advertised and sold to anyone who wants to buy them. (BUSINESS)
The Central Bank is authorized to sell government bonds on the open market.open out
see open 3, 13open pit (open pits)
[N-COUNT]
An open pit is a mine where the coal, metal, or minerals are near the surface and underground passages are not needed. (AM; in BRIT, use opencast mine)
= strip mineopen pris|on (open prisons)
[N-COUNT] oft in names
An open prison is a prison where there are fewer restrictions on prisoners than in a normal prison. (BRIT; in AM, use minimum security prison)open ques|tion (open questions)
[N-COUNT]
If something is an open question, people have different opinions about it and nobody can say which opinion is correct.
A British official said he thought it was an open question whether sanctions would do any good.open sea|son
[N-UNCOUNT] usu N on n
If you say that it is open season on someone or something, you mean that a lot of people are currently criticizing or attacking them.
"It's open season on smokers," I say.open se|cret (open secrets)
[N-COUNT]
If you refer to something as an open secret, you mean that it is supposed to be a secret, but many people know about it.
It's an open secret that the security service bugged telephones.open up
1
see open 2, 12
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P to n, V P n (not pron)
If a place, economy, or area of interest opens up, or if someone opens it up, more people can go there or become involved in it.
As the market opens up, I think people are going to be able to spend more money on consumer goods...
He said he wanted to see how Albania was opening up to the world...
These programmes will open up markets for farmers...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
If something opens up opportunities or possibilities, or if they open up, they are created.
It was also felt that the collapse of the system opened up new possibilities...
New opportunities are opening up for investors who want a more direct stake in overseas companies.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you open up a lead in a race or competition, you get yourself into a position where you are leading, usually by quite a long way.
The Chinese team had opened up a lead of more than two minutes.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
When you open up a building, you unlock and open the door so that people can get in.
Three armed men were waiting when the postmaster and his wife arrived to open up the shop...
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n
If someone opens up, they start to say exactly what they think or feel.
Lorna found that people were willing to open up to her.
1 [VERB] V n, V
If you open something such as a door, window, or lid, or if it opens, its position is changed so that it no longer covers a hole or gap.
He opened the window and looked out...
The church doors would open and the crowd would surge out.
≠ close, shut
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
...an open window...
A door had been forced open.
2 [VERB] V n, V n
If you open something such as a bottle, box, parcel, or envelope, you move, remove, or cut part of it so you can take out what is inside.
The Inspector opened the packet of cigarettes...
The capsules are fiddly to open.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
...an open bottle of milk...
I tore the letter open.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), also V n P
Open up means the same as open.
He opened up a cage and lifted out a 6ft python.
3 [VERB] V n, V
If you open something such as a book, an umbrella, or your hand, or if it opens, the different parts of it move away from each other so that the inside of it can be seen.
He opened the heavy Bible...
The officer's mouth opened, showing white, even teeth.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
Without warning, Bardo smacked his fist into his open hand...
His mouth was a little open, as if he'd started to scream.
[PHRASAL VERB] V n P, V P, also V P n (not pron)
Open out means the same as open.
Keith took a map from the dashboard and opened it out on his knees.
...oval tables which open out to become circular.
4 [VERB] V n
If you open a computer file, you give the computer an instruction to display it on the screen. (COMPUTING)
Double click on the icon to open the file.
5 [VERB] V n, V
When you open your eyes or your eyes open, you move your eyelids upwards, for example when you wake up, so that you can see.
When I opened my eyes I saw a man with an axe standing at the end of my bed...
His eyes were opening wide.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
As soon as he saw that her eyes were open he sat up.
6 [VERB] V n
If you open your arms, you stretch them wide apart in front of you, usually in order to put them round someone.
She opened her arms and gave me a big hug.
7 [ADJ]
If you describe a person or their character as open, you mean they are honest and do not want or try to hide anything or to deceive anyone.
He had always been open with her and she always felt she would know if he lied...
She has an open, trusting nature.
● openness [N-UNCOUNT]
...a relationship based on honesty and openness.
8 [ADJ] ADJ n
If you describe a situation, attitude, or way of behaving as open, you mean it is not kept hidden or secret.
The action is an open violation of the Vienna Convention...
Hearing the case in open court is only one part of the judicial process.
● openness [N-UNCOUNT]
...the new climate of political openness.
9 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to n
If you are open to suggestions or ideas, you are ready and willing to consider or accept them.
They are open to suggestions on how working conditions might be improved.
= receptive
10 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to n
If you say that a system, person, or idea is open to something such as abuse or criticism, you mean they might receive abuse or criticism because of their qualities, effects, or actions.
The system, though well-meaning, is open to abuse...
= susceptible
11 [ADJ] oft v-link ADJ to n
If you say that a fact or question is open to debate, interpretation, or discussion, you mean that people are uncertain whether it is true, what it means, or what the answer is.
It is an open question how long that commitment can last.
12 [VERB] V n, V
If people open something such as a blocked road or a border, or if it opens, people can then pass along it or through it.
The rebels have opened the road from Monrovia to the Ivory Coast...
The solid rank of police officers lining the courtroom opened to let them pass.
≠ close
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
We were part of an entire regiment that had nothing else to do but to keep that highway open.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
Open up means the same as open.
As rescue workers opened up roads today, it became apparent that some small towns were totally devastated...
When the Berlin Wall came down it wasn't just the roads that opened up but the waterways too.
13 [VERB] V into/onto/to n
If a place opens into another, larger place, you can move from one directly into the other.
The corridor opened into a low smoky room.
[PHRASAL VERB] V P into/onto/to n
Open out means the same as open.
...narrow streets opening out into charming squares.
14 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
An open area is a large area that does not have many buildings or trees in it.
Officers will also continue their search of nearby open ground.
15 [ADJ] ADJ n
An open structure or object is not covered or enclosed.
Don't leave a child alone in a room with an open fire.
...open sandwiches.
16 [ADJ] usu ADJ n
An open wound is one from which a liquid such as blood is coming.
17 [VERB] V n
If you open your shirt or coat, you undo the buttons or pull down the zip.
I opened my coat and let him see the belt.
[ADJ] ADJ n, v-link ADJ
Open is also an adjective.
The top can be worn buttoned up or open over a T-shirt.
18 [VERB] V, V n, V-ing
When a shop, office, or public building opens or is opened, its doors are unlocked and the public can go in.
Banks closed on Friday afternoon and did not open again until Monday morning.
...a gang of three who'd apparently been lying in wait for him to open the shop.
...opening and closing times.
[ADJ]
Open is also an adjective.
His shop is open Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm.
19 [VERB] V, V to n, V n
When a public building, factory, or company opens or when someone opens it, it starts operating for the first time.
The original station opened in 1754...
The complex opens to the public tomorrow...
They are planning to open a factory in Eastern Europe...
≠ close, shut
[ADJ] v-link ADJ
Open is also an adjective.
...any operating subsidy required to keep the pits open.
● opening [N-COUNT] usu sing
He was there, though, for the official opening.
20 [VERB] V, V n
If something such as a meeting or series of talks opens, or if someone opens it, it begins.
...an emergency session of the Russian Parliament due to open later this morning...
They are now ready to open negotiations.
● opening [N-SING] the N of n
...a communique issued at the opening of the talks.
21 [VERB] V with n, V by -ing, V n with n, also V n by -ing
If an event such as a meeting or discussion opens with a particular activity or if a particular activity opens an event, that activity is the first thing that happens or is dealt with. You can also say that someone such as a speaker or singer opens by doing a particular thing.
The service opened with a hymn...
I opened by saying, `Honey, you look sensational.'...
Pollard opened the conversation with some small talk.
= begin
≠ end
22 [VERB] V prep/adv, V adj
On the stock exchange, the price at which currencies, shares, or commodities open is their value at the start of that day's trading. (BUSINESS)
Gold declined $2 in Zurich to open at 385.50...
In Paris and Milan, the dollar opened almost unchanged.
≠ close
23 [VERB] V
When a film, play, or other public event opens, it begins to be shown, be performed, or take place for a limited period of time.
A photographic exhibition opens at the Royal College of Art on Wednesday...
● opening [N-SING] the N of n
He is due to attend the opening of the Asian Games on Saturday.
24 [VERB] V n
If you open an account with a bank or a commercial organization, you begin to use their services.
He tried to open an account at the branch of his bank nearest to his workplace.
25 [ADJ] v-link ADJ to n
If an opportunity or choice is open to you, you are able to do a particular thing if you choose to.
There are a wide range of career opportunities open to young people.
26 [VERB] V n, V
To open opportunities or possibilities means the same as to open them up.
The chief of naval operations wants to open opportunities for women in the Navy...
A series of fortunate opportunities opened to him.
27 [ADJ]
You can use open to describe something that anyone is allowed to take part in or accept.
A recent open meeting of College members revealed widespread dissatisfaction...
A portfolio approach would keep entry into the managerial profession open and flexible.
...an open invitation.
28 [ADJ] v-link ADJ
If something such as an offer or job is open, it is available for someone to accept or apply for.
The offer will remain open until further notice.
see also opening 6
29 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you do something in the open, you do it out of doors rather than in a house or other building.
Many are sleeping in the open because they have no shelter.
30 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR
If an attitude or situation is in the open or out in the open, people know about it and it is no longer kept secret.
The medical service had advised us to keep it a secret, but we wanted it in the open.
31 [PHRASE] PHR after v, v-link PHR
If something is wide open, it is open to its full extent.
The child had left the inner door wide open.
32 [PHRASE] v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you say that a competition, race, or election is wide open, you mean that anyone could win it, because there is no competitor who seems to be much better than the others.
The competition has been thrown wide open by the absence of the world champion.
33
with open arms: see arm
to open the door: see door
to keep your eyes open: see eye
with your eyes open: see eye
to open your eyes: see eye
to open fire: see fire
to open your heart: see heart
the heavens open: see heaven
an open mind: see mind
to open your mind: see mind
to keep your options open: see optionopen day (open days)
[N-COUNT]
An open day is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular school, university, or other institution to see what it is like. (BRIT; in AM, use open house)open house
1 [N-UNCOUNT]
If you say that someone keeps open house, you mean that they welcome friends or visitors to their house whenever they arrive and allow them to stay for as long as they want to.
Father Illtyd kept open house and the boys would congregate in his study during their recreation time, playing cards or games.
2 [N-VAR] also N n
An open house is a day on which members of the public are encouraged to visit a particular institution or place to see what it is like. (AM; in BRIT, use open day)
A week later, Sara and I attended open house at Ted's school...open let|ter (open letters)
[N-COUNT]
An open letter is a letter that is published in a newspaper or magazine. It is addressed to a particular person but is intended for the general reader, usually in order to protest or give an opinion about something.
The Lithuanian parliament also sent an open letter to the United Nations.open mar|ket
[N-SING] the N
Goods that are bought and sold on the open market are advertised and sold to anyone who wants to buy them. (BUSINESS)
The Central Bank is authorized to sell government bonds on the open market.open out
see open 3, 13open pit (open pits)
[N-COUNT]
An open pit is a mine where the coal, metal, or minerals are near the surface and underground passages are not needed. (AM; in BRIT, use opencast mine)
= strip mineopen pris|on (open prisons)
[N-COUNT] oft in names
An open prison is a prison where there are fewer restrictions on prisoners than in a normal prison. (BRIT; in AM, use minimum security prison)open ques|tion (open questions)
[N-COUNT]
If something is an open question, people have different opinions about it and nobody can say which opinion is correct.
A British official said he thought it was an open question whether sanctions would do any good.open sea|son
[N-UNCOUNT] usu N on n
If you say that it is open season on someone or something, you mean that a lot of people are currently criticizing or attacking them.
"It's open season on smokers," I say.open se|cret (open secrets)
[N-COUNT]
If you refer to something as an open secret, you mean that it is supposed to be a secret, but many people know about it.
It's an open secret that the security service bugged telephones.open up
1
see open 2, 12
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P to n, V P n (not pron)
If a place, economy, or area of interest opens up, or if someone opens it up, more people can go there or become involved in it.
As the market opens up, I think people are going to be able to spend more money on consumer goods...
He said he wanted to see how Albania was opening up to the world...
These programmes will open up markets for farmers...
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron), V P, also V n P
If something opens up opportunities or possibilities, or if they open up, they are created.
It was also felt that the collapse of the system opened up new possibilities...
New opportunities are opening up for investors who want a more direct stake in overseas companies.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
If you open up a lead in a race or competition, you get yourself into a position where you are leading, usually by quite a long way.
The Chinese team had opened up a lead of more than two minutes.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n (not pron)
When you open up a building, you unlock and open the door so that people can get in.
Three armed men were waiting when the postmaster and his wife arrived to open up the shop...
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n
If someone opens up, they start to say exactly what they think or feel.
Lorna found that people were willing to open up to her.