English Reference
verb · noun · adjective

pop

v. · n. · adj.
US /ˈpɑp/ UK /pˈɒp/ pop UK spelling pop's, pop's, popped

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.to make a short, loud sound like a balloon breaking.

    v.to produce a short, explosive sound, often as a result of internal pressure or sudden release.

    Simple

    The popcorn started to pop in the microwave after two minutes.

    In context

    The champagne cork popped loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the crowded dining room.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    v.to go somewhere quickly or for a short time.

    v.to move or go somewhere suddenly or briefly; often used with 'in', 'out', or 'over'.

    Simple

    I'm just going to pop to the shop to buy some milk.

    In context

    She decided to pop into the office on her way home to ensure the documents had been filed correctly.

    Usage

    Often used with prepositions like 'in', 'out', or 'to'.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate British EnglishInformal

    v.to put something in a place quickly or easily.

    v.to place or position an object with a quick, casual movement.

    Simple

    Just pop your coat on the chair and come into the kitchen.

    In context

    If you pop the tray in the oven now, dinner should be ready by the time the guests arrive.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to look very bright or clear so that people notice it.

    v.to be visually prominent or distinctive, especially due to high contrast or bright colour.

    Simple

    The red flowers really pop against the green grass.

    In context

    The designer added a yellow scarf to the outfit to make the entire ensemble pop for the photoshoot.

    stand outcontrast
  5. 05 A2 Elementary

    n.a short, sharp sound.

    n.a sudden, sharp, explosive acoustic event.

    Simple

    We heard a loud pop and then the light went out.

    In context

    The sudden pop of a circuit breaker echoed through the silent basement, plunging the house into darkness.

  6. 06 A2 Elementary American EnglishBritish EnglishDialect

    n.a sweet drink with bubbles.

    n.a carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage.

    Simple

    Would you like a glass of orange pop with your lunch?

    In context

    The children were allowed to have a bottle of pop as a special treat during the summer fair.

    Teacher's tip

    Usage is highly regional; 'pop' is common in the UK and parts of the US Midwest, while 'soda' or 'coke' is preferred elsewhere.

  7. 07 B1 Intermediate Informal

    n.a friendly name for your father.

    n.an informal or endearing term for one's father.

    Simple

    My pop always told me to work hard and be kind.

    In context

    He went to visit his old pop at the weekend to help him with some gardening work.

  8. 08 A2 Elementary Music

    n.a type of modern music that is very popular.

    n.a genre of popular music that originated in its modern form during the mid-1950s.

    Simple

    She loves listening to pop because the songs are easy to sing.

    In context

    The festival features a mix of indie rock and mainstream pop to appeal to a wider demographic.

    popular music
  9. 09 B1 Intermediate

    adj.related to things that are popular with many people, like music or movies.

    adj.relating to or characteristic of popular culture as intended for a general audience.

    Simple

    He is an expert on pop culture from the 1980s.

    In context

    The professor's lecture explored the intersection of pop art and consumerism in post-war America.

  10. 10 C1 Advanced InformalSlang Medicine

    v.to swallow a pill or medicine quickly.

    v.to ingest a tablet or capsule, often habitually or casually.

    Simple

    He's been popping painkillers all day because of his back ache.

    In context

    The character in the film is frequently seen popping pills to cope with the stress of his high-pressure job.

Usage pop star · pop culture · pop music

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated