pop

The word “pop” means to make a sudden sharp sound, especially from bursting. In plain terms, a sharp bursting sound; also to move somewhere briefly, a music genre, or an informal word for dad.

“Pop” is pronounced pop (/pɑp/ in IPA).

Here is “pop” used in a sentence: “The balloon popped when it touched the pin.”

Depending on how it is used, “pop” can be a verb and a noun.

“Pop” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Pop” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a sudden sharp sound, especially from bursting.

Burst means to break open suddenly, emphasizing the splitting apart. Pop emphasizes the short, sharp sound that often comes with it. Something can burst quietly, but "pop" always suggests that quick, snapping noise, which is why small, sharp bursts are described as popping.

No. Besides bursting with a sharp sound, "pop" as a verb can mean to move or go quickly ("pop to the shop"), to put something somewhere briefly ("pop it in the oven"), or to appear suddenly ("pop up"). The surrounding context shows which sense is meant.

In its sound-making sense — a balloon or cork popping — "pop" is neutral and widely used in both speech and writing. Its other senses, such as going somewhere quickly or a casual word for a fizzy drink or one's father, are more informal and conversational.

"The balloon popped when it touched the pin" shows the core sense: a sudden, sharp burst and sound. In the same way, corks pop from bottles and popcorn pops as the kernels burst open with heat. Each involves that quick, sharp noise.