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,. 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 fordef 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

"I do find it very interesting to see a bit of family history pop up out the blue like this," he said.

From BBC

Last month, X also changed its rules so accounts can make money according to engagement from premium accounts - likes, shares and comments - rather than the ads that pop up under their posts.

From BBC

As charges of irregularities in the voting are likely to pop up, news organizations are expected to be transparent.

From Los Angeles Times

They decreased as COVID-era shutdowns loosened but still pop up periodically.

From Los Angeles Times

And despite getting Anthony Rizzo to pop up for the second out, the long-ball bugaboo bit him against Volpe.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• advance
• age
• become
• breed
• build
• come
• cultivate
• develop
• expand
• flourish
• gain
• increase
• mature
• multiply
• produce
• raise
• rise
• spread
• sprout
• swell