noun
Uncommon
popping
PO-pihng
Popping (noun) means the act or sound of something bursting or making short, sharp cracks. Example: “The popping of the fireworks kept the dog anxious all evening.”
noun
1
The act or sound of something bursting or making short, sharp cracks.
"Poppings at various points along the spine may be noted, which may or may not have significance."
— Ernest Eckford Tucker, Osteopathic Technique (1917)
"The popping of the fireworks kept the dog anxious all evening."
"We heard the popping of corn in the pan from the next room."
"The popping of balloons made the toddler laugh and then cry."
2
A street-dance style built on quick muscle contractions that create a jerky, robotic look.
"He learned popping and locking from online dance tutorials."
"Her popping routine, full of sudden freezes and robot-like arm moves, won the crowd."
"Popping looks easy until you try to hit each beat with your muscles."
How to use popping
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the sound/action of things bursting, or a funk-based dance style using sharp, snapping body movements.
Common pairings
popping and locking
the popping of corks
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Word forms
- Plural
- poppings
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The _____ of the fireworks kept the dog anxious all evening.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for popping
See all rhymes for popping →Frequently asked questions
What does “popping” mean?
The word “popping” means the act or sound of something bursting or making short, sharp cracks. In plain terms, either the sound/action of things bursting, or a funk-based dance style using sharp, snapping body movements.
How do you pronounce “popping”?
“Popping” is pronounced PO-pihng (/ˈpɑpɪŋ/ in IPA).
How do you use “popping” in a sentence?
Here is “popping” used in a sentence: “The popping of the fireworks kept the dog anxious all evening.”
What part of speech is “popping”?
“Popping” is a noun.
Is “popping” a common word?
“Popping” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “popping” have?
“Popping” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the act or sound of something bursting or making short, sharp cracks.
What is the difference between popping and bursting?
Popping describes the act or sound of something making short, sharp cracks as it bursts, while bursting emphasizes the sudden breaking open itself, which may or may not produce a popping sound. Popping is often used for repeated small sounds, whereas bursting can describe a single larger event.
What is popping as a dance style?
Popping is a street-dance style built on quick muscle contractions that create a jerky, robotic look, distinct from other street styles like breaking or locking.
What is the difference between popping and locking in dance?
Popping relies on quick muscle contractions to create a jerky, robotic movement, while locking involves pausing abruptly mid-movement before continuing, creating a distinct freeze-and-go effect. Both are street-dance styles but rely on different muscular techniques.
