1. To provide information or details, usually by actually writing something in a blank space on a test, form, etc. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "fill" and "out." Fill out the blank with the correct answer.Ugh, I had to fill out so much paperwork on my first day of work.Make sure you fill out the form completely, or they may reject your application.
2. To become less thin or skinny by gaining weight or muscle or by simply growing into a fuller figure. He was such a skinny kid that I'm glad to see he's finally filled out some.A: "Nicky is a really talented athlete." B: "I know, and just imagine how far he'll be able to hit the ball once he fills out more!"Have you been hitting the gym lately? You've really filled out!
3. To properly fit into a piece of clothing. In this usage, a noun or pronoun can be used between "fill" and "in." I can't wear a strapless dress—I don't have the bust to fill it out!No, get him a smaller size shirt—he's too scrawny to fill out a medium.Wow, Amanda sure fills out that top nicely. I'm sorry, but I can't stop staring!
4. To become less sparse in appearance. After being so bare all winter, the trees are finally filling out again.Would you stop over-plucking your eyebrows and just let them fill out?Now that it's spring, it won't be long until the botanical garden is filled out with tulips.
Fig. to complete a form by writing in the blank spaces. Please fill this form out and send it back to us in the mail.I will fill out the form as you asked.
to become full; to gain weight. About a month after her debilitating illness, Maggie began to fill out again.The fruit on the trees began to fill out, and we knew it was going to ripen soon.
1. Complete by supplying required information, especially in writing. For example, Please fill out the application form, or I don't quite understand this drawing, so fill out the details. [Late 1800s]
2. Become enlarged, distended, rounded in outline. For example, The wind filled out the sails, or He's put on weight and really filled out. Applied to objects, this expression dates from about 1700, but to persons or animals becoming fatter, only from the late 1800s.
1. To provide required information in written form on something, such as a document: She carefully filled out the job application. He filled the voter registration form out.
2. To become larger, fuller, or fatter: The child filled out after he reached puberty.
3. To cause something to become larger, fuller, or fatter: The reporter filled out the article with extra anecdotes. The speaker filled the lecture out with a slide show.
4. To be large enough to fit some article of clothing properly: You don't really fill out that dress—it is a little baggy in places.
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