English Dictionary

Definition of “filling”

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filling (ˈfɪlɪŋPronunciation for filling) 

Definitions

noun

  1. the substance or thing used to fill a space or container  ⇒ pie filling 
  2. dentistry 
    1. any of various substances (metal, plastic, etc) for inserting into the prepared cavity of a tooth
    2. the cavity of a tooth so filled
  3. textiles another term for weft

adjective

  1. (of food or a meal) substantial and satisfying

fill (fɪlPronunciation for fill) 

Definitions

verb

(mainly tr) up 
  1. (also intr) to make or become full  ⇒ to fill up a bottle the bath fills in two minutes 
  2. to occupy the whole of  ⇒ the party filled two floors of the house 
  3. to plug (a gap, crevice, cavity, etc)
  4. to meet (a requirement or need) satisfactorily
  5. to cover (a page or blank space) with writing, drawing, etc
  6. to hold and perform the duties of (an office or position)
  7. to appoint or elect an occupant to (an office or position)
  8. building to build up (ground) with fill
  9. (also intr) to swell or cause to swell with wind, as in manoeuvring the sails of a sailing vessel
  10. to increase the bulk of by adding an inferior substance
  11. poker to complete (a full house, etc) by drawing the cards needed
  12. mainly US Canadian to put together the necessary materials for (a prescription or order)
  13. See fill the bill

noun

  1. material such as gravel, stones, etc, used to bring an area of ground up to a required level
  2. See one's fill

See also

fill away , fill in , fill out , fill up

Word Origin

Old English fyllan ; related to Old Frisian fella , Old Norse fylla , Gothic fulljan , Old High German fullen; see fullOld English ; related to Old Frisian , Old Norse , Gothic , Old High German ; see 1, , fulfil

Usage examples

  • Logs were already in place on top and in good supply to the side, filling an enormous copper cauldron.
    Anita Anderson, SOMEBODY (2002)
  • I wasn't even aware that I'd shot 30 coming in until I was filling in my score card.
    Irish Times (2002)
  • Apparently these days he is more likely to be found filling the massive wine cellar under his house.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • You know, filling up the slot machines on the end of the pier -'Harry Sayer does that.
    Alexandra Connor, THE TURN OF THE TIDE (2004)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'F'

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