Pop
/pɒp/
Definitions
6 meaningsTo make a short, sharp explosive sound.
/pɒp/
To make a sudden, explosive sound.
The champagne cork popped with a loud bang.
💡 Simply: Like when a balloon bursts – 'pop!' You can also 'pop' something into the microwave, like popcorn!
👶 For kids: To make a loud, quick sound like a balloon bursting.
More Examples
I accidentally popped the bubble gum in my mouth.
How It's Used
"The balloon popped when he sat on it."
To appear or emerge suddenly.
/pɒp/
To appear or come out suddenly.
The sun popped out from behind the clouds.
💡 Simply: When something shows up quickly, like when you're making toast and the bread 'pops' up.
👶 For kids: To come out or appear suddenly.
More Examples
He popped into the office to say hello.
How It's Used
"The cat popped its head out the window."
To put or place something quickly or casually.
/pɒp/
To put something somewhere quickly or casually.
I'll just pop the groceries in the car.
💡 Simply: To put something somewhere quickly, like when you 'pop' the pizza in the oven or 'pop' your keys on the table.
👶 For kids: To put something somewhere quickly.
More Examples
Can you pop this letter in the mail for me?
How It's Used
"I'll just pop this in the oven."
A sudden, explosive sound.
/pɒp/
I heard a loud pop and realized the tire had blown.
💡 Simply: That sudden 'pop' you hear when a balloon bursts or a champagne bottle opens!
👶 For kids: A quick, loud sound.
More Examples
The pop of the confetti filled the room.
How It's Used
"The pop of the firecrackers startled everyone."
Popular music, typically characterized by catchy melodies and widespread appeal.
/pɒp/
Popular music.
Her favorite genre is pop.
💡 Simply: Music that lots of people like! Often has catchy tunes.
👶 For kids: Music that is popular and fun to listen to.
More Examples
The radio station mostly plays pop music.
How It's Used
"She loves to listen to pop music."
(Informal) A carbonated soft drink.
/pɒp/
A carbonated soft drink.
Do you want a pop with your pizza?
💡 Simply: A fizzy drink like soda or Coke.
👶 For kids: A fizzy drink like soda.
More Examples
He bought a six-pack of pop.
How It's Used
"Would you like a pop?"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
pop the question
To propose marriage.
"He finally popped the question after dating her for five years."
pop off
To suddenly die.
"The old car popped off after the road trip."
From Middle English *poppe*, probably of imitative origin, or from a short form of earlier words like 'puppet' or 'poppet' in the 16th century, with the sound reflecting a sudden, sharp movement or sound.
The use of 'pop' to describe a sudden sound dates back to the 16th century. The term 'pop music' emerged in the mid-20th century to differentiate itself from rock and roll.
Memory tip
Imagine a bubble bursting – it makes a 'pop' sound!
Word Origin
"To make a short, sharp sound; to burst"