1 B1 informal
To leave a place for a short time, intending to return soon.
"I'm just popping out to get some milk — I'll be back in five minutes."
inseparable
pop out
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To leave a place briefly, or for something to appear or emerge suddenly.
In plain English
To go out for a short time, or for something to suddenly appear or come out.
What does "pop out" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To appear or emerge suddenly and unexpectedly.
"A rabbit popped out from behind the bush and gave us all a fright."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
Of eyes, to bulge or protrude, typically from shock or surprise.
"Her eyes practically popped out when she saw the price tag."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Pop' suggests a sudden, light movement; 'out' indicates exiting — giving the literal image of something leaping out of a container or space.
Actually means
To go out for a short time, or for something to suddenly appear or come out.
Usage tip
Common in informal British English for briefly leaving a location. Also used more broadly to describe something appearing suddenly (eyes popping out in surprise, a spring popping out of a mechanism). Context makes the meaning clear.
Words that pair with "pop out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
briefly quickly shop moment suddenly eyes
How to conjugate "pop out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
pop out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pops out
he/she/it
Past simple
poped out
yesterday
Past participle
poped out
have + pp
-ing form
poping out
continuous
Hear "pop out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "pop out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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