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adjective American English pronunciation: open /ˈoʊpən/
 
  1. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  2. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    2. b.
      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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  3. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  4. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  5. 5
    not hidden or secret

    Their relationship has deteriorated to the point of open hostility.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  6. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  7. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
    1. a.
      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.

      Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  8. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  9. 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.

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open

phrases

This is the American English definition of open. View British English definition of open.

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