pop
1 of 4verb/pɑp/
Forms:pops,popping,popped,popped
1
to make a sudden light sound like a small explosion
C1- The bubble wrap popped loudly as it was squeezed.
- We all laughed when we heard the bubble wrap pop unexpectedly.
- As she twisted the cap, the bottle of sparkling water popped with a refreshing sound.
- The soda can popped with a satisfying fizz when she pulled the tab.
2
to cook food in hot oil or fat until it bursts open or becomes crispy, such as popcorn
C2transitive- She popped the corn kernels in a hot pan with a bit of oil, creating a bowl of fluffy popcorn.
- The chef popped the shrimp in the deep fryer until they were golden brown and crispy.
- We love to pop potatoes in the oven with olive oil and salt, creating crispy potato wedges.
- He popped the chicken wings in the air fryer, achieving the perfect crispy texture without excess oil.
- The street vendor popped the dough into the hot oil, frying it until it puffed up into delicious golden-brown beignets.
3
to hit a high, arching baseball that is caught easily by a fielder
- He stepped up to the plate and managed to pop to the shortstop.
- After a strong pitch, she swung hard and popped into the air.
- The batter was frustrated as he continued to pop into the outfield.
- The coach reminded him to focus on his technique after he popped for the third time.
- She was disappointed when she popped on the first pitch of the game.
4
(of eyes) to open wide and appear to bulge
- Her eyes popped when she saw the surprise party waiting for her.
- He couldn’t believe the news, and his eyes popped in disbelief.
- The child’s eyes popped as he watched the magician perform his tricks.
- She was so startled by the loud noise that her eyes popped wide open.
- When he received the unexpected gift, his eyes popped with joy.
5
to discharge a firearm, typically resulting in a quick, sharp sound
- He was careful to pop only when he had a clear shot at the target.
- The soldier was trained to pop accurately under pressure during drills.
- He stepped back as the gun began to pop in rapid succession.
- As the alarm sounded, officers started to pop in response to the threat.
- The hunters gathered in a clearing, ready to pop at any moment.
6
to open suddenly or with a sharp sound
- The bottle of champagne popped as she twisted the cork loose.
- She was excited to hear the can of soda pop when she opened it.
- The seal on the package popped, releasing the fresh aroma inside.
- As the lid popped, steam rushed out, filling the air with a warm mist.
- The fireworks began to pop as they shot into the night sky.
7
to make something burst or explode, producing a sharp, quick sound
transitive- She popped the balloon with a pin, and it made a loud bang.
- He loves to pop bubble wrap for the satisfying sound it makes.
- The child popped the firecracker on New Year's Eve.
- She accidentally popped the tire while driving over a sharp object.
- The kids were thrilled to pop the bubbles in the air with their fingers.
8
to take a drug in a casual or informal manner
transitive- He decided to pop a painkiller before heading to the gym.
- She popped a pill to help with her anxiety during the flight.
- He chose to pop an aspirin instead of dealing with the headache all day.
- He was known to pop various drugs at parties, not caring about the consequences.
- He regretted popping the pill without knowing its effects.
9
to open and consume the contents of a bottle or can of drink
transitive- He popped a cold beer after finishing the yard work.
- They popped some bottles to celebrate the team’s victory.
- He popped a beer and leaned back in his chair to relax.
- He grabbed a drink from the fridge and popped it with a sigh of relief.
- You could hear him pop a bottle as the game started on TV.
10
to move or adjust something quickly and briefly
transitive- He quickly popped the book into his bag before leaving the room.
- He popped the toy back into the box after playing with it.
- She popped the pillow into place for added comfort.
- He popped the remote control onto the coffee table for easy access.
- She popped the note into her pocket before heading out the door.
11
to strike something or someone with a quick, light force
transitive- She playfully popped him on the shoulder to get his attention.
- The child tried to pop the pinata, eager for the candy inside.
- He popped the ball with his bat, sending it flying into the outfield.
- The coach instructed him to pop the tennis ball over the net.
- The playful puppy would pop her owner’s hand to solicit a treat.
12
to quickly open or activate something, often resulting in a sudden movement or sound
transitive- She popped the lid off the jar with ease.
- The mechanic popped the hood of the car to check the engine.
- She popped the lock on the suitcase, eager to see what was inside.
- She popped the toggle switch, turning on the lights instantly.
- He popped the mechanism into place, completing the assembly.
13
to appear or emerge quickly and unexpectedly
- The balloon popped into view as they inflated it.
- He popped in unexpectedly, surprising his friends with a visit.
- Suddenly, a rabbit popped out of the bushes, catching their attention.
- She popped out of the store with a big bag of groceries.
- The cat popped out from behind the couch, startling everyone.