Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not charged with a bullet: Refers to a cartridge that contains an explosive charge but no projectile.
   • Void of expression: Describes a face or look that shows no emotion, understanding, or interest.
   • (Of a surface) not written or printed on: Describes a space, page, or area that is empty and available to be filled.

2. Noun:

   • A cartridge containing an explosive charge but no bullet: A type of ammunition used for simulation, signaling, or starting races.
   • A piece of material ready to be made into something: An unfinished object, like a metal disk to be stamped into a coin.
   • A blank gap or missing part: An empty space where something is lacking.
   • A blank character used to separate words: In writing or printing, a space (like the one between these words).

3. Verb:

   • To keep the opposing team from winning: In sports, especially baseball, to prevent the other team from scoring.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • He loaded a blank cartridge for the theatrical sound effect.
  • She gave me a blank stare when I asked the complicated question.
  • Please write your answer on the blank sheet of paper.

• Noun:

  • The soldier fired a blank during the ceremony.
  • The mint produced thousands of coin blanks.
  • My mind went blank; I couldn't remember my own phone number.
  • In typing, you press the spacebar to insert a blank.

• Verb:

  • The home team blanked their rivals with a score of 5-0.

Advanced Usage

• "To draw a blank": To fail to get an answer, result, or to remember something.

  • I drew a blank when trying to recall his name.

• "Point-blank": (Adjective/Adverb) From a very close range; or in a direct, blunt manner.

  • He was shot point-blank. She asked him point-blank if he was lying.

• "Blank check": (Noun) Literally, a check with the amount left blank; figuratively, complete freedom or authorization to act.

  • The CEO gave the new manager a blank check to reorganize the department.

Variants and Related Words

• Blankly (adverb): In a blank manner, showing no expression or understanding.

  • He stared blankly at the wall.

• Blankness (noun): The state or quality of being blank.

  • The blankness of the white canvas was intimidating.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Empty, bare, vacant, expressionless, uncomprehending.
• Noun: Space, gap, void, lacuna.
• Verb: Shut out, defeat soundly.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Blank out: To temporarily forget something; or to erase or obscure information.
  • I blanked out during the exam. They blanked out the confidential details.

Related Idioms

• A blank slate: Something or someone not yet affected by experience, ready to be formed.

  • The new employee is like a blank slate; we can train her perfectly.

• To go blank: For one's mind to suddenly become empty of thought or memory.

  • When I stood up to speak, my mind went blank.

Adjective

1. not charged with a bullet
   • a blank cartridge
2. void of expression
   • a blank stare
3. (of a surface) not written or printed on
   • blank pages
   • fill in the blank spaces
   • a clean page
   • wide white margins

Noun

1. a cartridge containing an explosive charge but no bullet
2. a piece of material ready to be made into something
3. a blank gap or missing part
4. a blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing
   • he said the space is the most important character in the alphabet

Verb

1. keep the opposing (baseball) team from winning