Definition of 'full'

Word Frequency

full

(fʊl )

Word forms: comparative fuller , superlative fullest

1. adjective

If something is full, it contains as much of a substance or as many objects as it can.

Once the container is full, it stays shut until you turn it clockwise.

...a full tank of petrol.

2. adjective

If a place or thing is full of things or people, it contains a large number of them.

The case was full of clothes. [+ of]

The streets are still full of debris from two nights of rioting. [+ of]

...a useful recipe leaflet full of ideas for using the new cream. [+ of]

3. adjective

If someone or something is full of a particular feeling or quality, they have a lot of it.

I feel full of confidence and so open to possibilities. [+ of]

Mom's face was full of pain. [+ of]

...an exquisite mousse, incredibly rich and full of flavour. [+ of]

4. adjective [usually verb-link ADJECTIVE]

You say that a place or vehicle is full when there is no space left in it for any more people or things.

The main car park was full when I left about 10.45.

They stay here a few hours before being sent to refugee camps, which are now almost full.

The bus was completely full, and lots of people were standing.

5. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If your hands or arms are full, you are carrying or holding as much as you can carry.

Sylvia entered, her arms full of packages. [+ of]

People would go into the store and come out with their arms full.

6. adjective [verb-link ADJECTIVE]

If you feel full, you have eaten or drunk so much that you do not want anything else.

It's healthy to eat when I'm hungry and to stop when I'm full.

Synonyms: satiated, satisfied, having had enough, replete More Synonyms of full

fullness uncountable noun

High fibre diets give the feeling of fullness.

Synonyms: richness, strength, resonance, loudness More Synonyms of full

Synonyms: roundness, voluptuousness, curvaceousness, swelling More Synonyms of full

Synonyms: completeness, wealth, entirety, totality More Synonyms of full

Synonyms: plenty, glut, saturation, sufficiency More Synonyms of full

7. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use full before a noun to indicate that you are referring to all the details, things, or people that it can possibly include.

Full details will be sent to you once your application has been accepted.

May I have your full name?

Is full employment any longer achievable?

Synonyms: extensive, detailed, complete, broad More Synonyms of full

8. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Full is used to describe a sound, light, or physical force which is being produced with the greatest possible power or intensity.

From his study came the sound of Mahler, playing at full volume.

Officials say the operation will be carried out in full daylight.

Then abruptly he revved the engine to full power.

Synonyms: maximum, highest, greatest, top More Synonyms of full

Full is also an adverb.

...a two-seater Lotus, parked with its headlamps full on.

9. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use full to emphasize the completeness, intensity, or extent of something.

[emphasis]

We should conserve oil and gas by making full use of other energy sources.

Television cameras are carrying the full horror of this war into homes around the world.

The lane leading to the farm was in full view of the house windows.

By the time the tests took place, the athletes had had a full 17 hours' notice.

10. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

A full statement or report contains a lot of information and detail.

He gave a full account of his meeting with the President.

...the enormous detail in this very full document.

11. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

If you say that someone has or leads a full life, you approve of the fact that they are always busy and do a lot of different things.

[approval]

You will be successful in whatever you do and you will have a very full and interesting life.

Synonyms: eventful, exciting, active, busy More Synonyms of full

12. adverb

You use full to emphasize the force or directness with which someone or something is hit or looked at.

[emphasis]

The burning liquid hit him full in the right eye.

She kissed him full on the mouth.

She looked him full in the face as she spoke.

Synonyms: directly, right, straight, square More Synonyms of full

13. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

You use full to refer to something which gives you all the rights, status, or importance for a particular position or activity, rather than just some of them.

How did the meeting go, did you get your full membership?

Only those who have had full licences for five years may hire cars.

14. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

A full flavour is strong and rich.

Italian plum tomatoes have a full flavour, and are best for cooking.

Synonyms: rounded, strong, rich, powerful More Synonyms of full

15. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

If you describe a part of someone's body as full, you mean that it is rounded and rather large.

The Juno Collection specialises in large sizes for ladies with a fuller figure.

...his strong chin, his full lips, his appealing mustache.

Synonyms: plump, rounded, voluptuous, shapely More Synonyms of full

16. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

A full skirt or sleeve is wide and has been made from a lot of fabric.

My wedding dress has a very full skirt.

Synonyms: voluminous, large, loose, baggy More Synonyms of full

fullness uncountable noun

The coat has raglan sleeves, and is cut to give fullness at the back.

Synonyms: richness, strength, resonance, loudness More Synonyms of full

Synonyms: roundness, voluptuousness, curvaceousness, swelling More Synonyms of full

Synonyms: completeness, wealth, entirety, totality More Synonyms of full

17. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun]

When there is a full moon, the moon appears as a bright, complete circle.

18.

See in full

19.

See to know full well

20.

See to the full

21.

See be full of oneself

22. to be full of beans

23. full blast

24. to come full circle

25. to have your hands full

26. in full swing

More Synonyms of full

Video: pronunciation of
full

full in British English 1

(fʊl )

adjective

holding or containing as much as possible; filled to capacity or near capacity

abundant in supply, quantity, number, etc

full of energy

having consumed enough food or drink

(esp of the face or figure) rounded or plump; not thin

5. (prenominal)

with no part lacking; complete

a full dozen

6. (prenominal)

with all privileges, rights, etc; not restricted

a full member

7. (prenominal)

of, relating to, or designating a relationship established by descent from the same parents

full brother

filled with emotion or sentiment

a full heart

9. (postpositive; foll by of)

occupied or engrossed (with)

full of his own projects

10. music

powerful or rich in volume and sound

completing a piece or section; concluding

a full close

11.

(of a garment, esp a skirt) containing a large amount of fabric; of ample cut

12.

(of sails, etc) distended by wind

13.

(of wine, such as a burgundy) having a heavy body

14.

(of a colour) containing a large quantity of pure hue as opposed to white or grey; rich; saturated

15. informal

drunk

16. See full and by

17. See full of oneself

18. See full up

19. See in full cry

20. See in full swing

adverb

21.

completely; entirely

(in combination)

full-grown

full-fledged

22.

exactly; directly; right

the boxer was hit full in the stomach

23.

very; extremely (esp in the phrase full well)

24. See full out

noun

25.

the greatest degree, extent, etc

26. British

a ridge of sand or shingle along a seashore

27. See in full

28. See to the full

verb

29. (transitive) needlework

to gather or tuck

30. (intransitive)

(of the moon) to be fully illuminated

Derived forms

fullness (ˈfullness) or especially US fulness (ˈfulness)

noun

Word origin

Old English; related to Old Norse fullr, Old High German foll, Latin plēnus, Greek plērēs; see fill

Word Frequency

full in British English 2

(fʊl )

verb

(of cloth, yarn, etc) to become or to make (cloth, yarn, etc) heavier and more compact during manufacture through shrinking and beating or pressing

Word origin

C14: from Old French fouler, ultimately from Latin fullō a fuller1

Word Frequency

full in American English 1

(fʊl )

adjective

having in it all there is space for; holding or containing as much as possible; filled

a full jar

having eaten all that one wants

having had more than one can stand (of)

using or occupying all of a given space

a full load

having a great deal or number (of); crowded

a room full of people

well supplied, stocked, or provided; rich or abounding (with of)

woods full of game

rich in detail

full information

filling the required number, capacity, measure, etc.; complete

a full dozen

thorough; absolute

to come to a full stop

having reached the greatest development, size, extent, intensity, etc.

a full moon, full speed

b. US

having attained the highest regular rank

a full professor

having the same parents

full brothers

having clearness, volume, and depth

a full tone

10.

plump; round; filled out

a full face

11.

with loose, wide folds; ample; flowing

a full skirt

12.

greatly affected by emotion, etc.

occupied or engrossed with ideas, thoughts, etc.

13. US, Baseball

designating a count of three balls and two strikes on the batter

with a runner at each of the three bases

noun

14.

the greatest amount, extent, number, size, etc.

to enjoy life to the full

adverb

15.

to the greatest degree; completely; fully

a full-grown boy

16.

directly; exactly

to be hit full in the face

17.

very

full well

verb transitive

18.

to sew loose folds into (a skirt); gather

verb intransitive

19.

to become full

said of the moon

SIMILAR WORDS: comˈplete

Idioms:

at the full

in full

Word origin

ME < OE, akin to Ger voll, Goth fulls < IE base *pel-, to fill > L plenus, full & plere, to fill, Gr plēthein, to be full, Welsh llawn, full

Word Frequency

full in American English 2

(fʊl )

verb transitive, verb intransitive

to shrink and thicken (cloth, esp. wool) with moisture, heat, and pressure

Word origin

ME fullen < OFr fuler < ML fullare, to full < L fullo, cloth fuller

Examples of 'full' in a sentence
full

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.Read more…

She offered a full refund and a bouquet as an apology.We are sceptical consumers would choose to meet the cost of this programme given the full picture.They need to feel the full force of the law and public scrutiny along with it.The thing about getting up so early is that one is full of optimism.Yet what did he expect when his own story was full of holes.He is unable to walk and it could be a year before he makes a full recovery.We both know the park is full of scary people after dark.Her full contact details were listed.Love deepens when dreams are shared - and the full moon links love with a Gemini.This enables all aircraft up to the Airbus A380 to land and take off with full load capacity during all weather conditions.