pop-up

Or pop·up

[pop-uhp]

adjective

1. (of books, usually children's books) having pieces of artwork fastened to the pages so that when the page is opened, a three-dimensional cutout or object is formed and, sometimes, movement of a picture element, such as a door opening, can be activated by pulling a tab.

2. of or being a device that ejects or raises a finished or used item from the top.

   a pop-up toaster.

3. of or relating to a device, mechanism, or object that rises or pivots from a concealed or recessed position to its operating position.

   a camera with a pop-up electronic flash; a car with pop-up headlights.

4. popping up, as from an appliance or object.

   pop-up waffles heated in the toaster; a pop-up gauge for indicating when the turkey is done.

5. noting or pertaining to a store, restaurant, etc., that temporarily takes over a vacant space and does business there for a short time.

   a pop-up store selling Halloween costumes.

6. Digital Technology.,  (of a new window or its content) appearing suddenly and temporarily within or in front of an open window on the screen of a computer or mobile device.

   Right-click to get a pop-up menu. There are tools to block pop-up ads.

noun

1. a pop-up book.

2. Also called pop-out. Also called popout. something, as a partially cut out or spring-mounted illustration in a children's book, that unfolds or springs up when opened or otherwise activated.

   a Christmas card with a pop-up of Santa Claus.

3. Baseball.,  pop fly.

4. a pop-up store, restaurant, etc.

5. Digital Technology.,  a pop-up window, message, advertisement, etc..

   Press the hotkey and the pop-up will appear.

pop-up

adjective

1. (of an appliance) characterized by or having a mechanism that pops up

   a pop-up toaster

2. (of a book) having pages that rise when opened to simulate a three-dimensional form

3. computing (of a menu on a computer screen, etc) suddenly appearing when an option is selected

4. (of a shop, restaurant, venue, or other small business) intentionally opening and closing for business within a very short span of time

   a pop-up shop

verb

1. (intr, adverb) to appear suddenly from below

noun

1. computing something that appears over or above the open window on a computer screen

Word History and Origins

Origin of pop-up¹

First recorded in 1860–65 pop-up for def. 9; noun, adjective use of verb phrase pop up

Idioms and Phrases

Suddenly appear, as in After a brief warm spell all the flowers popped up, or He's constantly popping up where he's least expected.

Example Sentences

Indeed, the lines at the Oasis pop-up merch mart in Hollywood have been formidable, as fans rushed to commemorate the reunion they feared might never come.

From Los Angeles Times

On Aug. 20, fans began to gather outside the W Hotel for band’s a peek at the band’s debut North American Oasis Live ’25 pop-up shop.

From Los Angeles Times

Claire Mackenzie, manager of Jersey Hospice Shop East, said their pop-up sales of new uniforms at reduced prices had been hugely popular.

From BBC

After seeing the positive response from readers of all ages, she began selling titles online and at pop-up events, including the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books.

From Los Angeles Times

Such a step is notably not required for annual flu shots, which are widely available and administered everywhere from pop-up clinics to grocery stores.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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• gain 
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• rise 
• spread 
• sprout 
• swell