adjective

 

not closed not closed or fastened

an open door/window

 

doing business A shop or business is open during the time it is available for business or serving customers.

Most shops are open on Sundays now.

 

computers If a computer document or program is open, it is ready to be read or used.

 

without buildings An open area of land has no buildings on it or near it.

large open spaces

 

not covered without a roof or cover

an open courtyard

 

for everyone If a place or event is open, everyone can go to it or become involved in it.

an open debate

 

honest An open person is honest and does not hide their feelings.

He's very open and friendly.

 

not hidden Open feelings, usually negative ones, are not hidden.

open hostility/rivalry

 

not decided If a decision or question is open, it has not yet been decided.

We don't have to make a firm arrangement now. Let's leave it open.

 

verb

 

not closed If something opens, it changes to a position that is not closed, and if you open it, you make it change to a position that is not closed.

to open a door/window

 

remove cover to remove part of a container or parcel so that you can see or use what it contains

Karen opened the box and looked inside.

 

prepare for use If an object opens, the parts that are folded together move apart, and if you open it, you make the parts that are folded together move apart.

Shall I open the umbrella?

 

start work If a shop or office opens at a particular time of day, it starts to do business at that time.

What time does the bank open?

 

computers to make a computer document or program ready to be read or used

 

start officially If a business or activity opens, it starts officially for the first time, and if you open it, you make it start officially for the first time.

That restaurant's new - it only opened last month.

 

make available to allow people to use a road or area

They opened up the roads again the day after the flooding.