First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1blank
adjective \ˈblaŋk\
: without any writing, marks, or pictures
: having empty spaces to be filled in with information : not yet written in or filled out
: without any recorded sound or information
Full Definition of BLANK
1
archaic : colorless
2
a : appearing or causing to appear dazed, confounded, or nonplussed <stared in blank dismay> b : expressionless <a blank stare>
3
a : devoid of covering or content; especially : free from writing or marks <blank paper> b : having spaces to be filled in c : lacking interest, variety, or change <blank hours>
4
: absolute, unqualified <a blank refusal>
5
: unfinished; especially : having a plain or unbroken surface where an opening is usual <a blank key> <a blank arch>
— blank·ly adverb
— blank·ness noun
See blank defined for English-language learners
See blank defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of BLANK
Middle English, from Anglo-French blanc colorless, white, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German blanch white; probably akin to Latin flagrare to burn — more at black
Related to BLANK
- Synonyms
- catatonic, deadpan, empty, expressionless, impassive, inexpressive, numb, stolid, vacant
- Antonyms
- demonstrative, expressive
Synonym Discussion of BLANK
empty, vacant, blank, void, vacuous mean lacking contents which could or should be present. empty suggests a complete absence of contents <an empty bucket>. vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants <a vacant apartment>. blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface <a blank wall>. void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine <a statement void of meaning>. vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance <a vacuous facial expression>.
2blank
noun
: an empty space on a document where you put information
: a period of time that you cannot remember anything about
: a gun cartridge that is filled with powder but that does not contain a bullet
Full Definition of BLANK
1
obsolete : the bull's-eye of a target
2
a : an empty space (as on a paper) b : a paper with spaces for the entry of data <an order blank>
3
a : a piece of material prepared to be made into something (as a key) by a further operation b : a cartridge loaded with propellant and a seal but no projectile
4
a : an empty or featureless place or space <my mind was a blank> b : a vacant or uneventful period <a long blank in history>
5
: a dash substituting for an omitted word
See blank defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BLANK
circa 1570
3blank
verb
: to keep (the opposing team) from scoring
: to behave in an unfriendly way toward (someone you have been friendly with in the past) : to ignore or refuse to talk to (someone)
Full Definition of BLANK
transitive verb
1
a : obscure, obliterate <blank out a line> b : to stop access to : seal <blank off a tunnel>
2
: to keep (an opponent) from scoring <were blanked for eight innings>
intransitive verb
1
: fade —usually used with out <the music blanked out>
2
: to become confused or abstracted —often used with out <his mind blanked out momentarily>
See blank defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of BLANK
1764
BLANKNESS Defined for Kids
1blank
adjective \ˈblaŋk\
Definition of BLANK for Kids
1
: not having any writing or marks <a blank page>
2
: having empty spaces to be filled in <a blank order form>
3
: not showing emotion or understanding <a blank look>
2blank
noun
Definition of BLANK for Kids
1
: an empty space in a line of writing or printing
2
: a paper with empty spaces to be filled in <“Do you have your entry blank for the dog show?” — Beverly Cleary, Henry Huggins>
3
: a cartridge loaded with powder but no bullet
4
: events or a time that cannot be remembered <Everything after the accident is a blank.>
Learn More About BLANK
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: blank barPrevious Word in the Dictionary: blandishmentAll Words Near: blank
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up blank? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).