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verb American English pronunciation: open /ˈoʊpən/ 
Word Forms
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present tense
I/you/we/theyopen
he/she/itopens
present participleopening
past tenseopened
past participleopened
 
  1. 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.

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

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

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    1. a.
      [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.

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

    Thesaurus entry for this meaning of  openThesaurus entry for this meaning of open
  5. 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.

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

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    2. b.
      [intransitive] theater, cinema if a movie or play opens, it starts being shown to the public

      Her new play has just opened on Broadway.

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    3. c.
      [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.

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    4. d.
      [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.

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  6. 6
    [intransitive] to begin a speech
    open with:

    He opened his talk with a quotation from Shakespeare.

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    1. a.
      [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.

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    2. b.
      [transitive] to start an account with a bank

      You only need $1 to open an account with us.

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    3. c.
      [intransitive] when a period of time opens, it begins

      The year opened well for the company.

      The trout fishing season opened last week.

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phrases

phrasal verbs

See also

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

Change your default dictionary and thesaurus to British English.

 

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