pop
pop
Pop (verb) means to make a sudden sharp sound, especially from bursting. Example: “The soap bubble popped with a tiny sound as it landed on the floor.”
verb
1
To make a sudden sharp sound, especially from bursting.
"The soap bubble popped with a tiny sound as it landed on the floor."
"The balloon popped when it touched the pin."
"Champagne corks popped as the clock struck midnight."
2
To move quickly or briefly to a place.
"Could you pop round to my house later and collect the parcel?"
"She popped out of the meeting for a minute to take a call."
"I'll just pop to the shop for some milk."
noun
1
Short for popular music.
"The radio station plays mostly pop during the morning drive to work."
"My sister loves pop, but I prefer jazz and folk."
"She grew up listening to 80s pop."
2
Informal word for father.
"My pop taught me how to ride a bike in the park."
"Hey, Pop, can you give me a lift to football practice?"
"Pop always fixed the car himself."
How to use pop
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA sharp bursting sound; also to move somewhere briefly, a music genre, or an informal word for dad.
Common pairings
pop music
pop in
pop the question
pop a balloon
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like pop.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- pops
- Third person singular
- pops
- Past tense
- popped
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Could you _____ round to my house later and collect the parcel?
Etymology
Imitative in origin, describing a short sharp sound.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “pop” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “pop”?
“Pop” is pronounced pop (/pɑp/ in IPA).
How do you use “pop” in a sentence?
Here is “pop” used in a sentence: “The balloon popped when it touched the pin.”
What part of speech is “pop”?
Depending on how it is used, “pop” can be a verb and a noun.
Is “pop” a common word?
“Pop” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “pop” have?
“Pop” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a sudden sharp sound, especially from bursting.
What is the difference between pop and burst?
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.
Does 'pop' always mean to burst?
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.
Is 'pop' formal or informal?
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.
What is an example of using 'pop' as a verb?
"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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include pop:
