verb
To burst suddenly, often with a short, sharp sound; or to make something burst this way.
The balloon popped.
She popped the bubble.
Common phrases & grammar
pop a balloon · pop a bubble · pop the cork
pop + object
object + pop
American English
How to pronounce pop
verb · noun · adjectiveB1Common word
PAHP
/pʰɑp̚/
One syllable.
To burst suddenly, often with a short, sharp sound; or to make something burst this way.
What to listen for
In natural American English, the final /p/ may end without an audible burst, so pop can sound like /pʰɑp̚/.
Meanings & examples
verbinformal
To go somewhere or visit someone for a short time, often without planning.
I’ll pop by your office after lunch.
Can you pop into the store?
Common phrases & grammar
pop by after work · pop in for a minute · pop over for coffee
pop by + place
pop into + place
verbinformal
To put something somewhere quickly or casually.
Pop the leftovers in the fridge.
Pop your coat on; it’s cold outside.
Common phrases & grammar
pop it in the oven · pop something in the fridge · pop the lid on
pop + object + in/into + place
pop + object + on/off
verb
To appear suddenly or unexpectedly, often on a screen.
A warning popped up on my screen.
Her name popped up in the conversation.
Common phrases & grammar
a message pops up · a window pops up · pop up unexpectedly
pop up
pop up on/in + place
Useful expressions
to visit briefly
I’ll pop in after lunch.
to appear suddenly
A warning popped up on my screen.
to ask someone to marry you
He popped the question during dinner.
Related words & forms
The final p is doubled before -ed and -ing: popped, popping.