pop¹ (pŏp)

v., popped, pop·ping, pops.

v.intr.

1. To make a short, sharp, explosive sound.
2. To burst open with a short, sharp, explosive sound.
3. To move quickly or unexpectedly; appear abruptly: At last the cottage popped into view.
4. To open wide suddenly: The child's eyes popped with astonishment.
5. Baseball. To hit a short high fly ball, especially one that can be caught by an infielder: popped out to shortstop.
6. To shoot a firearm, such as a pistol.
7. To release (a clutch) suddenly.

v.tr.

1. To cause to make a sharp bursting sound.
2. To cause to explode with a sharp bursting sound: popped the balloon.
3. To put or thrust suddenly or unexpectedly: "popping a crisp plump shrimp into her mouth" (Kathleen Winsor).
4. 1. To discharge (a firearm).
   2. To fire at; shoot.
5. To hit or strike: popped me on the head.
6. Baseball. To hit (a ball) high in the air but not far.
7. Slang.
   1. To take (drugs), especially orally: "To calm a case of the jitters . . . the bride popped Valium" (People).
   2. To have (a drink): popped a few beers after work.

n.

1. A sudden sharp, explosive sound.
2. A shot with a firearm.
3. Chiefly Midwestern U.S. See soft drink. See Regional Note at tonic.
4. Baseball. A pop fly.

adv.

1. With a popping sound.
2. Abruptly or unexpectedly.

phrasal verbs:

pop for

1. Informal. To pay for: I'll pop for the video if you buy some snacks.

pop in

1. To visit briefly: just popped by to say hello.

pop off Informal.

1. To leave abruptly or hurriedly.
2. To die suddenly.
3. To speak thoughtlessly in a burst of released anger.

idioms:

a pop

1. SlangApiece; each:Tickets to the benefit were $100 a pop. Apiece; each: Tickets to the benefit were $100 a pop.

pop the question Informal.

1. To propose marriage.

[Middle English poppen, from pop, a blow, stroke, of imitative origin.]

pop² (pŏp)
n. Informal
Father.

[Short for PAPA.]

pop³ (pŏp) Informal.
adj.

1. Of or for the general public; popular or popularized: pop culture; pop psychology.
2. Of, relating to, or specializing in popular music: a pop singer.
3. Of or suggestive of pop art: a pop style.

n.

1. Popular music.
2. Pop art.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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