allowing access, passage, or a view through an empty space; not closed or blocked

he climbed through the open window

she was put in a cubicle with the curtains left open

the pass is kept open by snowploughs

exposed to the air or to view; not covered

an open fire burned in the grate

he crossed the ocean in an open boat

with the outer edges or sides drawn away from each other; unfolded or spread out

the trees had buds and a few open flowers

(of a business, place of entertainment, etc.) admitting customers or visitors; available for business

the shop stays open until 9 p.m

parts of the castle are open to the public

freely available or accessible; unrestricted

the service is open to all students

initially members were given preference, but now bookings are open for everyone

not concealing one's thoughts or feelings; frank and communicative

she behaved in an open and cheerful manner

I was quite open about my views

(of a matter or decision) not finally settled; still admitting of debate

students' choice of degree can be kept open until the second year

(of a string) allowed to vibrate along its whole length

(of a vowel) produced with a relatively wide opening of the mouth and the tongue kept low

(of an electric circuit) having a break in the conducting path

move (a door or window) so as to leave a space allowing access and vision

she opened the door and went in

‘Open up!’ he said

unfold or be unfolded; spread out

the eagle opened its wings and circled up into the air

the tail looks like a fan when it is opened out fully

the flowers only open during bright weather

make formally ready for customers, visitors, or business

she raised £731 by opening her home and selling coffee and tea

formally establish or begin (a new business or enterprise)

she began to teach and opened her own school

we opened up a branch in Madrid

make (something) present, available, or accessible

a civil war there has opened the possibility of a peace treaty with the Federation

(of a piece of writing or music) begin

the chapter opens with a discussion of Anglo-Irish relations

break the conducting path of (an electric circuit)

the switch opens the motor circuit

outdoors, especially in an exposed or unprotected setting

guests were sitting in the open on the terrace

a championship or competition with no restrictions on who may compete

his victory in the 2003 Australian Open

an accidental break in the conducting path for an electric current