gerund / present participle
It describes something that is bursting suddenly, often with a short, sharp sound, or causing something else to burst this way.
The popcorn is popping in the microwave.
The balloons are popping one after another.
American English
How to pronounce popping
verb · adjectiveB1Common word
PAHpihng
/ˈpʰɑ.pɪŋ/
2 syllables · Stress the first syllable.
Form of pop
It describes something that is bursting suddenly, often with a short, sharp sound, or causing something else to burst this way.
Practice out loudMeanings & examples
gerund / present participle
It describes going somewhere or visiting someone for a short time, often without planning.
I'm popping by your office after lunch.
She is popping into the store for milk.
gerund / present participle
It describes putting something somewhere quickly or casually.
I'm popping the leftovers in the fridge.
She is popping the pizza in the oven.
gerund / present participle
It describes appearing suddenly or unexpectedly, often on a screen.
A warning is popping up on my screen.
New messages keep popping up during the meeting.
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.