pop-up

American  

[pop-uhp] / ˈpɒpˌʌp /

Or popup

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.

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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 British  

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

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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

pop up Idioms  

1. 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.

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Etymology

Origin of pop-up

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

Example Sentences

Some of those attending the much talked about festival, which takes place over two weekends each year in Palm Springs, California, are ditching hastily assembled pop-up tents and crumpled gazebos.

From BBC • Apr. 17, 2026

Before the rally, many gathered lined up to have a quick chat with Tisza candidates to get their autographs and bought Hungarian flags, or Tisza-branded souvenirs and clothing from pop-up vendors as music blared.

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

You can also go for the super luxe Nobu pop-up, back at the Red Bull Mirage again this year, or have a fancy family-style meal with Outstanding in the Field with famous chefs.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Ahead of the concert, she visited a BTS pop-up store in Seoul and left with two armfuls of shopping bags.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

After a pop-up ad appears on her screen, Vivian announces that she plans to sign up for Netflix.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline

Related Words

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