open

adjective

UK /ˈəʊpən/

1
if a shop, restaurant etc is open, people are working there and the public can use or visit it
Are the shops open on Sundays?
There’s a bar that stays open all night.
open for business:
We are open for business from Monday to Friday.
open to the public:
The house is only open to the general public for three weeks each year.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe shops and their products
all out
a pig in a poke
bespoke
2
something that is open has no cover or has its edges separated so that you can see or take out what is inside
A book lay open on the table.
She stuffed the photographs into an open drawer.
tear/pull/rip something open:
The kids were ripping open their Christmas presents.
Synonyms and related words
Open
open
ajar
wide
1. 2a
  in a position that allows someone or something to pass through
  The bedroom door was slightly open.
  throw/pull/fling something open:
  We threw open all the windows to let the air in.
  wide open:
  Someone has left the gate wide open.
  Synonyms and related words
  Open
  open
  ajar
  wide
2. 2b
  used about a part of someone’s body
  He was asleep with his mouth open.
  wide open:
  She lay still, eyes wide open, listening intently.
  Synonyms and related words
  Describing or relating to areas of the body
  anterior
  cervical
  function
3
if a road or passage is open, it is possible for things to move from one end to the other
Many roads are blocked by snow but Snake Pass is still open.
Synonyms and related words
Open
open
ajar
wide
1. 3a
  used about ways of sending messages to someone
  The lines are open now for you to call in with your donations.
  It’s important to keep the channels of communication open with your ex-wife.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe communication
  closely
  verbal
  communicative
4
an open space or area is not covered or enclosed, or does not have many buildings, trees etc in or on it
They had to escape across open ground.
The top deck of the bus is open.
open spaces:
He loved the wide open spaces of the American West.
Synonyms and related words
Not covered
bare
naked
exposed
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe dry, barren and empty areas of land
barren
arid
wild
5
used about someone who is honest and does not keep things secret
Everyone in the group was very friendly and open.
The President promised an open dialogue.
be open about something:
He has always been open about his drinking problem.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe honest and sincere people and behaviour
honest
sincere
fine
1. 5a
  not hidden or secret
  Their relationship has deteriorated to the point of open hostility.
  Synonyms and related words
  Known and not secret
  known
  overt
  transparent
6
available for anyone to take part in or to see
A Chief Executive will be appointed by open competition.
open to:
The meeting is open to the public.
Most government files from the period are now open to scrutiny.
Synonyms and related words
Available and to be, or to become available
available
public
spare
7
willing to consider many different possibilities
be open to something:
I have some ideas about where to go, but I’m open to suggestions.
keep an open mind:
Police are keeping an open mind about the cause of her disappearance.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe someone who is open-minded
have/keep an open mind
liberal
tolerant
1. 7a
  used for describing a situation that has at least two possible results
  His contract keeps open the possibility that he might return to the series.
  leave something open:
  Shall we leave it open for now, and decide at the meeting?
  wide open:
  The election is still wide open.
  Synonyms and related words
  As a result of something and describing effects and results
  therefore
  consequently
  accordingly
8
if something is open to criticism, doubt etc, it is possible or reasonable to criticize it, doubt it etc
open to:
The new tax was open to two serious criticisms.
Whether or not he intended this outcome, is open to question.
wide open:
The system is wide open to abuse.
Synonyms and related words
Sensible and reasonable
practical
sensible
rational
9
if something is open to you, it is possible for you to do it
open to:
Taking him to court was the only option left open to me.
Synonyms and related words
Possible and able to be done
possible
be able to do something
may
10
open for business
used for saying that a place is functioning in a normal way
There was a lot of controversy over whether the city was even open for business.
Submitted from:
United Kingdom on 05/04/2019
Open Dictionary - April2019

phrases

in open court

an open book

the open road

throw something open

welcome/receive someone with open arms

open

adjective

US /ˈoʊpən/

1
if a store, restaurant, etc. is open, people are working there and the public can use or visit it
Is the mall open until midnight?
There’s a bar that stays open all night.
the campaign to keep the hospital open
open for business:
We are open for business from Monday to Friday.
open to the public:
The house is open to the public for three weeks each year.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe shops and their products
all out
a pig in a poke
bespoke
2
something that is open has no cover or has its edges separated so that you can see or take out what is inside
A book lay open on the table.
She stuffed the photographs into an open drawer.
There’s a bottle of wine open if you want some.
tear/pull/rip something open:
The kids were ripping open their Christmas presents.
Synonyms and related words
Open
open
ajar
wide
1. 2a
  in a position that allows someone or something to pass through
  The bedroom door was slightly open.
  wide open:
  Someone has left the gate wide open.
  throw/pull/fling something open:
  We threw open all the windows to let some fresh air in.
  Synonyms and related words
  Open
  open
  ajar
  wide
2. 2b
  used about a part of someone’s body
  He was asleep with his mouth open.
  wide open:
  She lay still, eyes wide open, listening intently.
  Synonyms and related words
  Describing or relating to areas of the body
  anterior
  cervical
  function
3
an open space or area is not covered or enclosed, or does not have many buildings, trees, etc. in or on it
They had to escape across open ground.
The top deck of the bus is open.
open spaces:
He loved the wide open spaces of the western states.
Synonyms and related words
Not covered
bare
naked
exposed
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe dry, barren and empty areas of land
arid
wild
bare
4
if a road or passage is open, it is possible for things to move from one end to the other
Many roads are blocked by snow but Snake Pass is still open.
Synonyms and related words
Open
open
ajar
wide
1. 4a
  used about ways of sending messages to someone
  The lines are open now for you to call in with your donations.
  It’s important to keep the channels of communication open with your ex-wife.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe communication
  verbal
  nonverbal
  interactive
5
not hidden or secret
Their relationship has deteriorated to the point of open hostility.
Synonyms and related words
Known and not secret
known
overt
transparent
1. 5a
  used about someone who is honest and does not keep things secret
  Everyone in the group was very friendly and open.
  The President promised an open dialog.
  be open about something:
  He has always been open about his drinking problem.
  Synonyms and related words
  Words used to describe honest and sincere people and behavior
  honest
  sincere
  fine
6
available for anyone to take part in or to see
A CEO will be appointed by open competition.
open to:
The meeting is open to the public.
Most government files from the period are now open to scrutiny.
Synonyms and related words
Available and to be, or to become available
available
public
spare
7
willing to consider many different possibilities
be open to something:
I have some ideas about where to go, but I’m open to suggestions.
Even at the age of 80, she is always open to new experiences.
keep an open mind:
The police are keeping an open mind about the cause of her disappearance.
Synonyms and related words
Words used to describe someone who is open-minded
have/keep an open mind
liberal
tolerant
1. 7a
  used for describing a situation that has at least two possible results
  His contract keeps open the possibility that he might return to the series.
  leave something open:
  Should we leave it open for now, and decide at the meeting?
  wide open:
  The election is still wide open.
  Synonyms and related words
  As a result of something and describing effects and results
  therefore
  consequently
  accordingly
8
if something is open to criticism, doubt, etc., it is possible or reasonable to criticize it, doubt it, etc.
open to:
The new tax was open to two serious criticisms.
Whether or not he intended this outcome, is open to question.
wide open:
The system is wide open to abuse.
Synonyms and related words
Sensible and reasonable
realistic
practical
sensible
9
if something is open to you, it is possible for you to do it
open to:
Taking him to court was the only option left open to me.
Synonyms and related words
Possible and able to be done
possible
be able to do something
may
10
open for business
used for saying that a place is functioning in a normal way
There was a lot of controversy over whether the city was even open for business.
Submitted from:
United Kingdom on 05/04/2019
Open Dictionary - April2019

phrases

in open court

an open book

the open road

throw something open

welcome/receive someone with open arms

open

verb

UK /ˈəʊpən/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	open
he/she/it	opens
present participle	opening
past tense	opened
past participle	opened

1
transitive to separate the edges of something, or to take off its cover so that you can see or remove what is inside
She opened her shopping bag and took out an umbrella.
Can you open this jam jar?
Open your books at page 25.
Synonyms and related words
To open or unlock something, or to come open
open up
open
try
1. 1a
  intransitive if something such as a flower opens, it moves into its widest position and you can see its full shape
  Her parachute failed to open.
  Synonyms and related words
  What plants can do
  bear
  bear fruit
  bloom
2
transitive to move a door or window into a position that allows people or things to pass through
Do you mind if I open a window?
The school gates are opened at 8.45.
Synonyms and related words
To open or unlock something, or to come open
open up
open
try
1. 2a
  intransitive if something such as a door opens, it moves into a position that allows people or things to pass through
  The lift doors opened and two men walked out.
  open onto/into something:
  The kitchen door opens onto a patio.
  Synonyms and related words
  To open or unlock something, or to come open
  open up
  open
  try
3
intransitive/transitive to move your arms or legs wide apart
She opened her arms to hug me.
Synonyms and related words
To move your limbs and appendages
reach out
reach
kick
1. 3a
  to move your lips and teeth apart so that your mouth is not closed
  Open your mouth and let me look at your teeth.
  Synonyms and related words
  To use or to move the mouth or throat
  clear your throat
  dribble
  drool
2. 3b
  to move your eyelids apart so that your eyes are not closed
  I opened my eyes and looked around me.
  Synonyms and related words
  What the eyes can do
  adjust
  blink
  blink
3. 3c
  to make your fingers straight so that your hand is not closed
  Synonyms and related words
  To change your position
  balance
  bear yourself
  bend
4
intransitive/transitive if a shop, public building etc opens at a particular time, or if someone opens it, it regularly becomes available for people to visit or use at that time
The library doesn’t open till 9.30.
I’m calling to ask when you open today.
Synonyms and related words
To do business and relating to doing business
account
after hours
asset
5

open
or
open up
intransitive/transitive if a new business, building etc opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use for the first time
They decided to move to Spain and open a bar.
The college first opened in the 1960s.
Synonyms and related words
Starting up in business
bootstrap
go into
set up
1. 5a
  intransitive/transitive if something that has been private or secret opens, or if someone opens it to people, it becomes available for people to visit, see, or take part in
  open something to someone:
  There are plans to open the gardens to the public.
  open something to competition/inspection/scrutiny:
  The telecommunications market has been opened up to competition.
  open your doors/gates to someone:
  The farmer opens his gates to visitors during the lambing season.
  Synonyms and related words
  Available and to be, or to become available
  available
  public
  spare
2. 5b
  intransitive theatrecinemaif a film or play opens, it starts being shown to the public
  Her new play has just opened on Broadway.
  Synonyms and related words
  To perform or entertain, or to be performed
  amuse
  appear
  compère
3. 5c
  intransitive/transitive if a road, telephone line, or other method of communication opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use
  We are opening a hotline for enquiries about the product.
  Synonyms and related words
  Available and to be, or to become available
  available
  public
  spare
4. 5d
  transitive if a famous person opens a shop or public building, they appear there to say that it is officially available for people to use or visit
  The Queen is opening the new gallery on Saturday.
  Synonyms and related words
  The activity of selling
  aftermarket
  buyer’s market
  call
6
transitive to begin something such as a discussion or trial
She opened the debate by summarizing her party’s position.
open an investigation/inquiry/inquest:
The police have opened an investigation into his business affairs.
Synonyms and related words
To start speaking, or to start speaking again
begin
bring up
continue
1. 6a
  intransitive to begin a speech
  open with:
  He opened his talk with a quotation from Shakespeare.
  Synonyms and related words
  To start speaking, or to start speaking again
  begin
  bring up
  continue
2. 6b
  transitive to start an account with a bank
  You only need £1 to open an account with us.
  Synonyms and related words
  To use a bank account
  bank
  bank in
  borrow
3. 6c
  intransitive when a period of time opens, it begins
  The year opened well for the company.
  The trout fishing season opened last week.
  Synonyms and related words
  To start to exist or happen
  start
  begin
  arise

phrases

open the door/way

open doors

open fire

open someone’s mind to something

phrasal verbs

open out

open up

open

verb

US /ˈoʊpən/

Word Forms

present tense
I/you/we/they	open
he/she/it	opens
present participle	opening
past tense	opened
past participle	opened

1
transitive to separate the edges of something, or to take off its cover so that you can see or remove what is inside
She opened her purse and took out a lipstick.
Can you open this jar of pickles?
Open your books to page 25.
Synonyms and related words
To open or unlock something, or to come open
open up
undo
unlock
1. 1a
  intransitive if something such as a flower opens, it moves into its widest position and you can see its full shape
  Her parachute failed to open.
  Synonyms and related words
  What plants can do
  bear
  bear fruit
  bloom
2
transitive to move a door or window into a position that allows people or things to pass through
Do you mind if I open a window?
The gates at the zoo are opened at 8:45.
Synonyms and related words
To open or unlock something, or to come open
open up
undo
unlock
1. 2a
  intransitive if something such as a door opens, it moves into a position that allows people or things to pass through
  The elevator doors opened and two men walked out.
  open onto/into something:
  The kitchen door opens onto a patio.
  Synonyms and related words
  To open or unlock something, or to come open
  open up
  undo
  unlock
3
intransitive/transitive to move your arms or legs wide apart
She opened her arms to hug me.
Synonyms and related words
To move your limbs and appendages
spread
fold your arms/hands
bend
1. 3a
  to move your lips and teeth apart so that your mouth is not closed
  Open your mouth and let me look at your teeth.
  Synonyms and related words
  To use or to move the mouth or throat
  clear your throat
  dribble
  drool
2. 3b
  to move your eyelids apart so that your eyes are not closed
  I opened my eyes and looked around me.
  Synonyms and related words
  What the eyes can do
  adjust
  blink
  blink
3. 3c
  to make your fingers straight so that your hand is not closed
  Synonyms and related words
  To change your position
  balance
  bear yourself
  bend
4
intransitive/transitive if a store, public building, etc. opens at a particular time, or if someone opens it, it regularly becomes available for people to visit or use at that time
The library doesn’t open until noon today.
I’m calling to ask when you open today.
Synonyms and related words
To do business and relating to doing business
account
after hours
asset
5

open
or
open up
intransitive/transitive if a new business, building, etc. opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use for the first time
They decided to move to Spain and open a bar.
The college first opened in the 1960s.
Synonyms and related words
Starting up in business
bootstrap
go into
set up
1. 5a
  intransitive/transitive if something that has been private or secret opens, or if someone opens it to people, it becomes available for people to visit, see, or take part in
  open something to someone:
  There are plans to open the Navy base to the public.
  open something to competition/inspection/scrutiny:
  The telecommunications market has been opened up to competition.
  open your doors/gates to someone:
  The farmer opens his gates to visitors during the lambing season.
  Synonyms and related words
  Available and to be, or to become available
  available
  public
  spare
2. 5b
  intransitive theatrecinemaif a movie or play opens, it starts being shown to the public
  Her new play has just opened on Broadway.
  Synonyms and related words
  To perform or entertain, or to be performed
  amuse
  appear
  compère
3. 5c
  intransitive/transitive if a road, telephone line, or other method of communication opens, or if someone opens it, it becomes available for people to use
  We are opening a hotline for questions about the product.
  Synonyms and related words
  Available and to be, or to become available
  available
  public
  spare
4. 5d
  transitive if a famous person opens a store or public building, they appear there to say that it is officially available for people to use or visit
  The actors are opening the new restaurant on Saturday.
  Synonyms and related words
  The activity of selling
  aftermarket
  buyer’s market
  call
6
intransitive to begin a speech
open with:
He opened his talk with a quotation from Shakespeare.
Synonyms and related words
To start speaking, or to start speaking again
begin
bring up
continue
1. 6a
  transitive to begin something such as a discussion or trial
  She opened the debate by summarizing her party’s position.
  open an investigation/inquiry/inquest:
  The police have opened an investigation into his business affairs.
  Synonyms and related words
  To start speaking, or to start speaking again
  begin
  bring up
  continue
2. 6b
  transitive to start an account with a bank
  You only need $1 to open an account with us.
  Synonyms and related words
  To use a bank account
  bank
  bank in
  borrow
3. 6c
  intransitive when a period of time opens, it begins
  The year opened well for the company.
  The trout fishing season opened last week.
  Synonyms and related words
  To start to exist or happen
  start
  begin
  arise

phrases

open the door/way

open doors

open fire

open someone’s mind to something

phrasal verbs

open out

open up

open ​‌‌‌

open for business

open ​‌‌‌

open for business

open ​‌‌‌

open

open up

open ​‌‌‌

open

open up

open

open

open

open