First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1full
adjective \ˈfu̇l also ˈfəl\
Definition of FULL
1
: containing as much or as many as is possible or normal <a bin full of corn>
2
a : complete especially in detail, number, or duration <a full report> <gone a full hour> <my full share> b : lacking restraint, check, or qualification <full retreat> <full support> c : having all distinguishing characteristics : enjoying all authorized rights and privileges <full member> <full professor> d : not lacking in any essential : perfect <in full control of your senses> e (1) : completely occupied by runners <came to bat with the bases full> (2) : having three balls and two strikes <a full count>
3
a : being at the highest or greatest degree : maximum <full speed> <full strength> b : being at the height of development <full bloom> c : being a full moon : completely illuminated <the moon is full tonight>
4
: rounded in outline <a full figure>
5
a : possessing or containing a great number or amount —used with of <a room full of pictures> <full of hope> b : having an abundance of material especially in the form of gathered, pleated, or flared parts <a full skirt> c : rich in experience <a full life>
6
a : satisfied especially with food or drink b : large enough to satisfy <a full meal>
7
archaic : completely weary
8
: having both parents in common <full sisters>
9
: having volume or depth of sound <full tones>
10
: completely occupied especially with a thought or plan <full of his own concerns>
11
: possessing a rich or pronounced quality <a food of full flavor>
— full of it
: not to be believed
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Origin of FULL
Middle English, from Old English; akin to Old High German fol full, Latin plenus full, plēre to fill, Greek plērēs full, plēthein to be full
Related to FULL
Synonym Discussion of FULL
full, complete, plenary, replete mean containing all that is wanted or needed or possible. full implies the presence or inclusion of everything that is wanted or required by something or that can be held, contained, or attained by it <a full schedule>. complete applies when all that is needed is present <a complete picture of the situation>. plenary adds to complete the implication of fullness without qualification <given plenary power>. replete implies being filled to the brim or to satiety <replete with delightful details>.
2full
adverb
: as much as possible : entirely or completely
: directly or squarely
Full Definition of FULL
1
3
—used as an intensive <wound up winning by a full four strokes — William Johnson>
See full defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FULL
before 12th century
3full
noun
Definition of FULL
1
: the highest or fullest state or degree <the full of the moon>
2
: the utmost extent <enjoy to the full>
— in full
1
: to the requisite or complete amount <paid in full>
2
: to the fullest extent : completely <read the book in full>
See full defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FULL
14th century
4full
verb
Definition of FULL
intransitive verb
of the moon : to become full
transitive verb
: to make full in sewing
First Known Use of FULL
1794
5full
verb
Definition of FULL
transitive verb
: to shrink and thicken (woolen cloth) by moistening, heating, and pressing
Origin of FULL
Middle English, from Anglo-French fuller, fouler to full, trample underfoot, from Medieval Latin fullare, from Latin fullo fuller
First Known Use: 14th century
FULL Defined for Kids
1full
adjective \ˈfu̇l\
full·erfull·est
Definition of FULL for Kids
1
: containing as much or as many as possible or normal <a full glass> <a full bus>
2
: 1complete 1 <I waited a full hour.>
3
: not limited in any way <full power> <a full recovery>
4
: plump and rounded in outline <a full face>
5
: having much material <a full skirt>
— full·ness noun
2full
adverb
Definition of FULL for Kids
1
: 1very 1 <You know full well you're wrong.>
2
: completely <Fill the glass full.>
3full
noun
Definition of FULL for Kids
1
: the highest state, extent, or degree <I enjoyed school to the full.>
2
: the complete amount <paid in full>
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