Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Popup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

💥
Add to dictionary

popup

[ˈpɒpʌp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

website feature

A small window that appears on top of a webpage and usually contains advertisements, alerts, or other information.

Synonyms

overlay, pop-up window.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
popup

Same as 'popup' above, interchangeable for the same situations.

  • A popup showed the latest news updates.
  • I disabled popups in my browser settings.
pop-up window

Often used in a technical or instructional context to describe a small window that appears separately from the main window in a graphical user interface.

  • Clicking the link will open a pop-up window with the login form.
  • A pop-up window warned me about the unsaved changes.
overlay

Used when referring to a semi-transparent layer that covers the main content on a screen, often to highlight additional information or provide user interface elements.

  • An overlay displayed detailed information about the product when I clicked on the image.
  • The tutorial showed an overlay with instructions on how to use the app.

Examples of usage

  • I hate when popups keep appearing while I'm trying to read an article.
  • The popup ad was so annoying that I immediately closed it.
Context #2 | Noun

baseball

A high fly ball that is easy to catch because it goes straight up in the air.

Synonyms

easy catch, fly ball.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
popup

Used in baseball, a 'popup' refers to a ball that is hit very high in the air but does not travel far horizontally. This term is often used to describe a situation where the ball is easily caught by an infielder.

  • The batter hit a popup to the shortstop.
  • He was frustrated when he popped up to the catcher.
fly ball

Commonly used in baseball, a 'fly ball' refers to a ball that is hit high into the air and travels a significant distance. It can be caught by outfielders or infielders depending on its trajectory.

  • The center fielder tracked the fly ball and made the catch.
  • He hit a long fly ball to left field.
easy catch

This phrase can be used in various sports, particularly baseball and cricket, to describe a catch that is simple and straightforward due to the position or the skill of the player. It indicates a lack of challenge in securing the ball.

  • It was an easy catch for the outfielder.
  • The quarterback threw a pass that was an easy catch for the wide receiver.

Examples of usage

  • The outfielder caught the popup for an easy out.
  • The pitcher induced a popup to end the inning.
Context #3 | Noun

music

A type of song that quickly becomes very popular and then disappears from the charts.

Synonyms

flash in the pan, one-hit wonder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
popup

Best used when referring to temporary, unexpected appearances, often related to technology or retail events.

  • A popup window appeared on my screen asking for my login details.
  • We visited a popup shop downtown that only sells Christmas decorations for a limited time.
one-hit wonder

Used for artists or entities known for only one successful work or achievement, typically in music or entertainment.

  • Despite their catchy song that topped the charts, the band unfortunately remains a one-hit wonder.
  • Everyone remembers that artist for their one-hit wonder from the '90s, but they haven't released any other notable tracks since.
flash in the pan

Appropriate when describing something or someone that gains sudden, short-lived success or attention but fades quickly.

  • The band's hit single was just a flash in the pan; they never released anything as successful again.
  • Her sudden popularity on social media turned out to be a flash in the pan after her controversial posts emerged.

Examples of usage

  • Their latest single was a catchy popup that everyone was singing along to.
  • The band's success was short-lived, with only one hit popup.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • Popups are commonly used in web design to showcase advertisements, notifications, or additional information without leaving the current page.
  • Many website browsers have built-in features to block popups, as they can be intrusive and annoying for users.

Cultural Impact

  • Popups have become a standard feature in online marketing, often leading to debates about user experience versus advertising effectiveness.
  • The humor of 'popup' culture has been embraced in memes and jokes, often surrounding the unexpected nature of their appearance.

Psychology

  • Popups can trigger curiosity, prompting users to interact with them and increasing the chances of click-through for advertisements.
  • However, constant popup interruptions can lead to frustration, negatively affecting the overall user experience.

Design and User Experience

  • Effective popup design balances attention-grabbing elements with the need to provide clear and valuable information to avoid user frustration.
  • Many designers prioritize timing and context for popups, ensuring they appear when users are most likely to need or appreciate them.

Origin of 'popup'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'popup' came from the combination of 'pop' (to appear suddenly) and 'up' (direction), conveying the idea of something appearing quickly.
  • It first became popular in the early 1990s as internet usage increased and websites began using these features to grab attention.

The term 'popup' originated in the late 1990s with the rise of internet advertising. It refers to a window that 'pops up' on top of a webpage to display content such as ads or alerts. The term has since been adopted in other contexts, such as baseball and music, to describe things that quickly appear and disappear. The use of popups has evolved over the years, with many users finding them intrusive and annoying.

See also: pop, popover, popping, pops.