First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1fill
verb \ˈfil\
: to make (something) full
: to become full
: to spread all through (an area, the air, etc.)
Full Definition of FILL
transitive verb
1
a : to put into as much as can be held or conveniently contained <fill a cup with water> b : to supply with a full complement <the class is filled> c (1) : to cause to swell or billow <wind filled the sails> (2) : to trim (a sail) to catch the wind d : to raise the level of with fill <filled land> e : to repair the cavities of (teeth) f : to stop up : obstruct <wreckage filled the channel> g : to stop up the interstices, crevices, or pores of (as cloth, wood, or leather) with a foreign substance
2
3
a : to occupy the whole of <smoke filled the room> b : to spread through <music filled the air> c : to make full <a mind filled with fantasies>
4
a : to possess and perform the duties of : hold <fill an office> b : to place a person in <fill a vacancy>
5
: to supply as directed <fill a prescription>
6
: to cover the surface of with a layer of precious metal
intransitive verb
: to become full
— fill one's shoes
: to take over one's job, position, or responsibilities
See fill defined for English-language learners
See fill defined for kids
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Origin of FILL
Middle English, from Old English fyllan; akin to Old English full full
Related to FILL
2fill
noun
: a full amount : all that someone wants or needs
: material that is used to fill something
Full Definition of FILL
1
: a full supply; especially : a quantity that satisfies or satiates <eat your fill>
2
: something that fills: as a : material used to fill a receptacle, cavity, passage, or low place b : a bit of instrumental music that fills the pauses between phrases (as of a vocalist or soloist) c : artificial light used in photography to reduce or eliminate shadows —often used attributively <fill flash>
See fill defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FILL
before 12th century
Other Pictures (on film) Terms
FILL[2] Defined for Kids
1fill
verb \ˈfil\
filledfill·ing
Definition of FILL for Kids
1
: to make or become full <Please fill the tank.> <The pail filled slowly.>
2
: to use up all the space or time in <Meetings filled his schedule.> <Cars filled the street.>
3
: to spread through <Laughter filled the room.>
4
: to stop up : plug <The dentist filled a tooth.>
5
: to do the duties of <Who fills the office of class president?>
6
: to hire a person for <We have filled the position.>
7
: to supply according to directions <I need to fill a prescription.>
8
: to succeed in meeting or satisfying <You fill all requirements.>
— fill in
1
: to insert information <Fill in the blanks.>
2
: to provide information <Fill me in on what's happening.>
3
: to take another's place <Can you fill in while I'm away?>
— fill out
1
: to increase in size and fullness <The smaller plants are filling out.>
2
: to complete by providing information <Please fill out a form.>
2fill
noun
Definition of FILL for Kids
1
: all that is wanted <I ate my fill.>
2
: material for filling something
Medical Dictionary
fill
transitive verb \ˈfil\
Medical Definition of FILL
1
: to repair the cavities of (teeth)
2
: to supply as directed <fill a prescription>
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