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

In March 2023, more than 8,600 players tracked their mood every 10 minutes with pop-up prompts while playing a custom build of the game.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

And Southwest tried to drum up new bookings with this app pop-up: “With TSA wait times returning to normal, go ahead and book that trip you’ve been planning.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

BTS hoodies, wallets and figurines were on sale at new pop-up stores and convenience shops.

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

A hubbub of energy fills every corridor - from the extensive costume and wig department, to the huge team building pop-up sets around the show's main stage.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

I tuck that and my most special pop-up book under my arm.

From "Invisible Inkling" by Emily Jenkins

Related Words

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