OPEN | English Meaning, Definition, and Pronunciation

Old English open (adjective), openian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch open and German offen, from the root of the adverb up

allowing access, passage, or a view through an empty space; not closed or blocked

not closed or blocked

• he climbed through the open window
• she was put in a cubicle with the curtains left open
• the pass is kept open by snowploughs

exposed to the air or to view; not covered

not covered

• an open fire burned in the grate
• he crossed the ocean in an open boat

with the outer edges or sides drawn away from each other; unfolded or spread out

unfolded or spread out

• the trees had buds and a few open flowers

(of a business, place of entertainment, etc.) admitting customers or visitors; available for business

admitting customers or visitors

• the shop stays open until 9 p.m
• parts of the castle are open to the public

freely available or accessible; unrestricted

unrestricted

• the service is open to all students
• initially members were given preference, but now bookings are open for everyone

not concealing one's thoughts or feelings; frank and communicative

frank and communicative

• she behaved in an open and cheerful manner
• I was quite open about my views

(of a matter or decision) not finally settled; still admitting of debate

still admitting of debate

• students' choice of degree can be kept open until the second year

(of a string) allowed to vibrate along its whole length.

allowed to vibrate along whole length

(of a vowel) produced with a relatively wide opening of the mouth and the tongue kept low.

produced with wide opening of mouth

(of an electric circuit) having a break in the conducting path.

having break in conducting path

move (a door or window) so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

move door or window to allow access

• she opened the door and went in
• ‘ Open up!’ he said

unfold or be unfolded; spread out

unfold or be unfolded

• the eagle opened its wings and circled up into the air
• the tail looks like a fan when it is opened out fully
• the flowers only open during bright weather

make formally ready for customers, visitors, or business

make ready for business

• she raised £731 by opening her home and selling coffee and tea

formally establish or begin (a new business or enterprise)

formally establish or begin business etc.

• she began to teach and opened her own school
• we opened up a branch in Madrid

make (something) present, available, or accessible

make present or available

• a civil war there has opened the possibility of a peace treaty with the Federation

(of a piece of writing or music) begin

(of writing or music) begin

• the chapter opens with a discussion of Anglo-Irish relations

break the conducting path of (an electric circuit)

break conducting path of circuit

• the switch opens the motor circuit

outdoors, especially in an exposed or unprotected setting

outdoors or in countryside

• guests were sitting in the open on the terrace

a championship or competition with no restrictions on who may compete

open competition

• his victory in the 2003 Australian Open

an accidental break in the conducting path for an electric current.

accidental break in conducting path