open meaning and definition

OPEN noun

Definition of open (noun)

1. a clear or unobstructed space or expanse of land or water
   • "finally broke out of the forest into the open"
   • synonyms: clear
2. where the air is unconfined
   • "he wanted to get outdoors a little"; "the concert was held in the open air"; "camping in the open"
   • synonyms: open air, outdoors, out-of-doors
3. a tournament in which both professionals and amateurs may play
4. information that has become public
   • "all the reports were out in the open"; "the facts had been brought to the surface"
   • synonyms: surface

OPEN verb

Definition of open (verb)

1. cause to open or to become open
   • "Mary opened the car door"
   • synonyms: open up
   • antonym: close
2. start to operate or function or cause to start operating or functioning
   • "open a business"
   • synonyms: open up
   • antonym: close
3. become open
   • "The door opened"
   • synonyms: open up
   • antonym: close
4. begin or set in action, of meetings, speeches, recitals, etc.
   • "He opened the meeting with a long speech"
   • antonym: close
5. spread out or open from a closed or folded state
   • "open the map"; "spread your arms"
   • synonyms: spread, spread out, unfold
   • antonym: fold
6. make available
   • "This opens up new possibilities"
   • synonyms: open up
7. become available
   • "an opportunity opened up"
   • synonyms: open up
8. have an opening or passage or outlet
   • "The bedrooms open into the hall"
9. make the opening move
   • "Kasparov opened with a standard opening"
10. afford access to
    • "the door opens to the patio"; "The French doors give onto a terrace"
    • synonyms: afford, give
11. display the contents of a file or start an application as on a computer
    • antonym: close

OPEN adjective

Definition of open (adjective)

1. affording unobstructed entrance and exit; not shut or closed
   • "an open door"; "they left the door open"
   • synonyms: unfastened
   • antonym: closed
2. affording free passage or access
   • "open drains"; "the road is open to traffic"; "open ranks"
   • antonym: closed
3. with no protection or shield
   • "the exposed northeast frontier"; "open to the weather"; "an open wound"
   • synonyms: exposed
4. open to or in view of all
   • "an open protest"; "an open letter to the editor"
5. used of mouth or eyes
   • "keep your eyes open"; "his mouth slightly opened"
   • synonyms: opened
   • antonym: closed
6. not having been filled
   • "the job is still open"
7. accessible to all
   • "open season"; "an open economy"
8. not defended or capable of being defended
   • "an open city"; "open to attack"
   • synonyms: assailable, undefendable, undefended
9. (of textures) full of small openings or gaps
   • "an open texture"; "a loose weave"
   • synonyms: loose
10. having no protecting cover or enclosure
    • "an open boat"; "an open fire"; "open sports cars"
11. (set theory) of an interval that contains neither of its endpoints
    • antonym: closed
12. not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought
    • "an open question"; "our position on this bill is still undecided"; "our lawsuit is still undetermined"
    • synonyms: undecided, undetermined, unresolved
13. not sealed or having been unsealed
    • "the letter was already open"; "the opened package lay on the table"
    • synonyms: opened
14. without undue constriction as from e.g. tenseness or inhibition
    • "the clarity and resonance of an open tone"; "her natural and open response"
15. ready or willing to receive favorably
    • "receptive to the proposals"
    • synonyms: receptive
    • antonym: unreceptive
16. open and observable; not secret or hidden
    • "an overt lie"; "overt hostility"; "overt intelligence gathering"; "open ballots"
    • synonyms: overt
    • antonym: covert
17. not requiring union membership
    • "an open shop employs nonunion workers"
18. possibly accepting or permitting
    • "a passage capable of misinterpretation"; "open to interpretation"; "an issue open to question"; "the time is fixed by the director and players and therefore subject to much variation"
    • synonyms: capable, subject
19. affording free passage or view
    • "a clear view"; "a clear path to victory"; "open waters"; "the open countryside"
    • synonyms: clear
20. openly straightforward and direct without reserve or secretiveness
    • "his candid eyes"; "an open and trusting nature"; "a heart-to-heart talk"
    • synonyms: candid, heart-to-heart
21. ready for business
    • "the stores are open"