ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pop

v. · n. · adj.
US //ˈpɑp// UK //pˈɒp// pop
  1. 1 to make a sharp sound (v.)
    A2 Elementary

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The champagne cork popped loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the crowded dining room.
  2. 2 to move or go quickly (v.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Informal

    to go somewhere quickly or for a short time.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.
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  1. 3 to put something somewhere (v.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Informal

    to put something in a place quickly or easily.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    If you pop the tray in the oven now, dinner should be ready by the time the guests arrive.
  2. 4 to stand out (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

    The red flowers really pop against the green grass.

    Example

    The designer added a yellow scarf to the outfit to make the entire ensemble pop for the photoshoot.
  3. 5 a sharp sound (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a short, sharp sound.

    a sudden, sharp, explosive acoustic event.

    Example

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

    Example

    The sudden pop of a circuit breaker echoed through the silent basement, plunging the house into darkness.
  4. 6 fizzy drink (n.)
    A2 Elementary American English British English Dialect

    a sweet drink with bubbles.

    a carbonated, non-alcoholic beverage.

    Example

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

    Example

    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.
  5. 7 father (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    a friendly name for your father.

    an informal or endearing term for one's father.

    Example

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

    Example

    He went to visit his old pop at the weekend to help him with some gardening work.
  6. 8 music style (n.)
    A2 Elementary Music

    a type of modern music that is very popular.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The festival features a mix of indie rock and mainstream pop to appeal to a wider demographic.
    • popular music
  7. 9 popular culture (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The professor's lecture explored the intersection of pop art and consumerism in post-war America.
  8. 10 to take a pill (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang Medicine

    to swallow a pill or medicine quickly.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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