open
OH-puhn
Open (adjective) means not closed, blocked, or sealed — allowing entry, passage, or view. Example: “She left the window open to let in some air.”
adjective
1
Not closed, blocked, or sealed — allowing entry, passage, or view.
"She left the window open to let in some air."
"The door was wide open when we arrived."
"The gate was left open, and the dog wandered out into the lane."
2
Available for business, use, or public access.
"The bakery is open from six in the morning."
"The pool stays open until late in summer."
"Is the library open on Saturdays, or do I need to go during the week?"
3
Honest and willing to share thoughts or feelings; not secretive.
"He was open about his mistakes during the meeting."
"She is very open with her friends about how she feels."
"Be open with me; I would rather hear the truth than guess."
verb
1
To make something no longer closed, or to cause it to become accessible.
"Could you open the window, please?"
"The store opens at nine."
"He opened the box carefully, because he didn't want to tear the paper."
noun
1
A competition that anyone meeting the entry conditions may enter, often used in sports like golf or tennis.
"She qualified for the US Open this year."
"He entered the club's open for the first time and reached the second round."
"The village hosts an annual tennis open that attracts players from all over the country."
How to use open
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishNot shut — able to let things or people through, or, for a person, willing to share and communicate freely.
Common mistake
As an adjective it doesn't change form ("the shop is open," not "opened," for current state); "opened" describes the completed action of opening.
Common pairings
open the door
open to suggestions
wide open
open for business
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Word forms
- Plural
- opens
- Third person singular
- opens
- Past tense
- opened
- Comparative
- more open, opener
- Superlative
- most open, openest
- Archaic forms
- openest, openeth, openedst
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She left the window _____ to let in some air.
Etymology
From Old English open, going back to a very old Germanic root meaning "up from under" — related to the English word "up."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for open
See all rhymes for open →Frequently asked questions
What does “open” mean?
The word “open” means not closed, blocked, or sealed — allowing entry, passage, or view. In plain terms, not shut — able to let things or people through, or, for a person, willing to share and communicate freely.
How do you pronounce “open”?
“Open” is pronounced OH-puhn (/ˈoʊ.pən/ in IPA).
How do you use “open” in a sentence?
Here is “open” used in a sentence: “She left the window open to let in some air.”
What is another word for “open”?
Words with a similar meaning to “open” include accessible, unimpeded and unseal.
What is the opposite of “open”?
The opposite of “open” — its antonyms — are closed, shut, without prejudice, checked and closed-source.
What part of speech is “open”?
Depending on how it is used, “open” can be an adjective, a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “open” come from?
The word “open” comes from Old English. From Old English open, going back to a very old Germanic root meaning "up from under" — related to the English word "up.".
Is “open” a common word?
“Open” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the opposite of open?
The most common opposite is 'closed' or 'shut.' Depending on context, 'sealed,' 'blocked,' or 'locked' also contrast with open. Where open allows entry, passage, or view, these words describe something stopped or fastened — a shut door, a sealed envelope, or a blocked road.
What is the difference between open and ajar?
'Ajar' means slightly or partly open, and is used almost only of doors and windows — 'the door was ajar.' 'Open' is broader: it can mean fully open or simply not closed, and applies to almost anything, from a box to a road to a shop.
What are the different meanings of open?
As an adjective, 'open' can describe something physically not closed (an open window), a business ready to serve customers (open till nine), something available or unrestricted (open to everyone), or a person who is frank and receptive (open-minded). Context decides which sense applies.
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