Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or process of making something full: "filling" refers to the action of putting something into a container, space, or cavity until it is full.
   • (Dentistry) A material used to repair a cavity in a tooth: A "filling" is a substance like metal, composite, or porcelain placed into a prepared hole in a tooth to restore its function and shape.
   • The weft in weaving: In textiles, the "filling" is the yarn that is woven horizontally across the warp (the lengthwise yarns).
   • A mixture used inside food: A "filling" is a savory or sweet preparation placed inside pastries, pies, sandwiches, or other foods.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The filling of the water tank took twenty minutes.
  • I need to get a new filling because my old one is cracked.
  • The weaver adjusted the tension of the filling.
  • The pie's apple filling was delicious and not too sweet.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a filling": to have a dental procedure where a cavity is repaired.
  • I'm going to the dentist to have a filling tomorrow.
• "Filling station": (a compound term, listed here as advanced usage) a place where fuel is sold for vehicles; a gas station.
  • We need to stop at the next filling station for petrol.

Variants and Related Words

• Fill (verb): To make or become full.
  • Please fill the glass with water.
• Filler (noun): A substance used to fill gaps or increase volume.
  • The carpenter used wood filler to repair the hole.
• Refill (noun/verb): An act of filling something again, or a new portion of a consumable item.
  • Can I get a refill for my coffee, please?

Synonyms

• Stuffing: A mixture used to fill the cavity of food, especially poultry. (Note: "Stuffing" is often used interchangeably with "filling" in culinary contexts, though it can imply a looser, bread-based mixture.)
• Padding: Soft material used to fill or line something for protection or comfort.
• Lining: A layer of material covering the inner surface of something.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Fill in: To complete something by adding information or material.
  • Please fill in the application form.
  • They used soil to fill in the hole.
• Fill out: To become larger or fuller; to complete a form. (Often synonymous with "fill in" for forms).
  • He has filled out since he started exercising.
  • Fill out this questionnaire.

Related Idioms

• A filling meal: A meal that is substantial and satisfying, making you feel full.
  • That stew was a very filling meal.

Noun

1. the act of filling something
2. (dentistry) a dental appliance consisting of any of various substances (as metal or plastic) inserted into a prepared cavity in a tooth
   • when he yawned I could see the gold fillings in his teeth
   • an informal British term for `filling' is `stopping'
3. the yarn woven across the warp yarn in weaving
4. a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches etc.
5. flow into something (as a container)
6. any material that fills a space or container
   • there was not enough fill for the trench