full
[ before noun ] complete, whole, or containing a lot of detail
Please give your full name and address.
Oxford Essential Dictionary
full
adjective (fuller, fullest)
1 with a lot of people or things in it, so that there is no more space:
My glass is full.
The bus was full so we waited for the next one.
These socks are full of holes.
2 (British also full up) having had enough to eat:
'Would you like anything else to eat?' 'No thank you, I'm full.'
3 complete; with nothing missing:
Please tell me the full story.
4 as much, big, etc. as possible:
The train was travelling at full speed.
in full completely; with nothing missing:
Please write your name in full.
Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
full
I. full1 S1 W1 /fʊl/ BrE AmE adjective
[Language: Old English]
1. NO SPACE containing as much or as many things or people as possible, so there is no space left ⇨ empty:
The train was completely full.
Don’t talk with your mouth full.
The class is full, but you can register for next term.
full of
The kitchen was full of smoke.
be crammed/stuffed/packed etc full of something
Ted’s workshop was crammed full of old engines.
half-full/three-quarters full etc
McQuaid filled his glass until it was three-quarters full.
The bath was full to the brim (=completely full) with hot water.
full (up) to bursting British English informal (=completely full)
The filing cabinet was full to bursting.
REGISTER
In everyday English, people often say that a place is packed when it is full of people:
▪ The trains are always packed in the rush hour.
2. INCLUDING EVERYTHING [only before noun] complete and including all parts or details:
Please write your full name and address on the form.
The Health Centre offers a full range of services.
Lotus will not reveal full details until the Motor Show.
The BBC promised a full investigation.
I don’t think he’s telling us the full story (=everything he knows about the matter).
3. HIGHEST AMOUNT/LEVEL [only before noun] the greatest amount or highest level of something that is possible SYN maximum:
rising prosperity and full employment
The charity helps disabled children reach their full potential.
Few customers take full advantage of off-peak fares.
Parker was driving at full speed when he hit the wall.
in full leaf/bloom
The roses were now in full bloom.
4. HAVING A LOT OF SOMETHING be full of something
a) to contain many things of the same kind:
a garden full of flowers
His essay was full of mistakes.
The music papers were full of gossip about the band.
Life’s full of surprises, isn’t it?
b) to feel, express, or show a lot of a particular emotion or quality
full of excitement/energy/hope etc
Lucy was a happy child, always full of life.
He was full of praise for the work of the unit.
c) to talk or think a lot about a particular thing:
She was full of plans for the wedding.
5. FOOD (also full up British English) [not before noun] having eaten so much food that you cannot eat any more:
No more, thanks. I’m full.
6. EMPHASIS [only before noun] used to emphasize an amount, quantity, or rate
three/six etc full days/years/pages etc
We devote five full days a month to training.
His pants rose a full three inches off his shoes.
7. BUSY busy and involving lots of different activities:
Before her illness, Rose enjoyed a full life.
Go to bed. You’ve a full day tomorrow.
8. RANK having or giving all the rights, duties etc that belong to a particular rank or position
full professor/member/colonel etc
Only full members have the right to vote.
a full driving licence
9. be full of yourself to have a high opinion of yourself – used to show disapproval:
My first impression was that he was a bit full of himself.
10. be full of crap/shit/it not polite a rude expression used to say that someone often says things that are wrong or stupid:
Don’t listen to Jerry. He’s full of it.
11. CLOTHES made using a lot of material and fitting loosely:
a dress with a full skirt
12. BODY large and rounded in an attractive way
full figure/face/breasts etc
clothes for the fuller figure
13. TASTE having a strong satisfying taste:
Now you can enjoy Nescafé's fuller flavour in a decaffeinated form. ⇨ ↑full-bodied
14. SOUND pleasantly loud and deep:
the rich full sound of the cello
15. full price not a reduced price:
If you’re over 14, you have to pay full price.
16. in full view of somebody so that all the people in a place can see, especially when this is embarrassing or shocking:
The argument happened on stage in full view of the audience.
17. be in full swing if an event or process is in full swing, it has reached its highest level of activity:
By 8.30, the party was in full swing.
18. full speed/steam ahead doing something with as much energy and effort as possible:
With last season’s misery behind them, it’s full steam ahead for the Bears.
19. be full of beans to be excited and have lots of energy
20. (at) full blast informal as strongly, loudly, or quickly as possible:
The heater was on full blast but I was still cold.
a car stereo playing Wagner at full blast
21. (at) full tilt/pelt moving as fast as possible:
She ran full tilt into his arms.
22. be in full cry if a group of people are in full cry, they are criticizing someone very strongly:
Anyone who’s seen the world’s press in full cry can understand how Diana felt.
23. to the full (also to the fullest American English) in the best or most complete way:
Ed believes in living life to the full.
24. come/go/turn full circle to be in the same situation in which you began, even though there have been changes during the time in between:
Fashion has come full circle and denim is back.
⇨ ↑fully, ⇨ have your hands full at ↑hand1(29), ⇨ draw yourself up to your full height at ↑draw up(4)
• • •
THESAURUS
▪ full containing as much or as many things or people as possible, so there is no space left: The train was nearly full. | The cupboard was full of clothes. | He spilled a full cup of coffee on the carpet.
▪ filled with something full of something – use this about a container when a lot of things have been put into it: The envelopes were filled with cash.
▪ stuffed full of something completely full of something – use this about a container when lots of things have been put into it, often in an untidy way: The case was stuffed full of clothes.
▪ packed completely full of people – use this about a room, train etc: a packed restaurant | The courtroom will be packed with journalists.
▪ bursting (with something) extremely full of something: Her wardrobe was bursting with coats and shoes. | a small garden bursting with fruit and flowers
▪ crammed so full that you cannot fit anyone or anything else in – often used when you think there are too many people or things: In summer, the hotels are crammed with tourists. | The resort’s crammed beaches are uncomfortable in summer.
▪ teeming (with something) /ˈtiːmɪŋ/ full of people, animals etc that are all moving around: The rivers are teeming with fish.
▪ overflowing used about a container that is so full that the liquid or things inside it come out over the top: an overflowing bathtub | The drawers were overflowing with magazines.
▪ overloaded used about a vehicle or a ship which has too many people or things in it: an overloaded fishing boat | The trucks are often grossly overloaded (=far too overloaded).
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
full
full [full fulls fulled fulling fuller fullest] adjective, adverb [fʊl] [fʊl]
adjective (full·er, fullest)
WITH NO EMPTY SPACE
1. ~ (of sth) containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space
• a full bottle of wine
• She could only nod, because her mouth was full.
• My suitcase was full of books.
• There were cardboard boxes stuffed full of clothes.
• (BrE) Sorry, the hotel is full up tonight.
HAVING A LOT
2. ~ of sth having or containing a large number or amount of sth
• The sky was full of brightly coloured fireworks.
• Life is full of coincidences.
• Our new brochure is crammed full of inspirational ideas.
• animals pumped full of antibiotics
• She was full of admiration for the care she had received.
• He smiled, his eyes full of laughter.
TALKING A LOT
3. ~ of sth (of a person) thinking or talking a lot about a particular thing
• He was full of his new job and everything he'd been doing.
WITH FOOD
4. (BrE also ˌfull ˈup) having had enough to eat
• No more for me, thanks— I'm full up.
• The kids still weren't full, so I gave them an ice cream each.
• You can't run on a full stomach.
COMPLETE
5. usually before noun complete; with nothing missing
• Full details are available on request.
• I still don't think we've heard the full story.
• a full English breakfast
• A full refund will be given if the item is faulty.
• Fill in your full name and address.
• The country applied for full membership of the European Union.
• It is too early to assess the full extent of the damage.
• They sell a full range of hair and beauty products.
AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE
6. usually before noun to the highest level or greatest amount possible
Syn: maximum
• Many people don't use their computers to their full potential.
• measures to achieve full employment
• Students should take full advantage of the university's facilities.
• She came round the corner at full speed.
BUSY
7. busy; involving a lot of activities
• He'd had a very full life.
• Her life was too full to find time for hobbies.
FOR EMPHASIS
8. only before noun used to emphasize an amount or a quantity
• She is a full four inches shorter than her sister.
MOON
9. appearing as a complete circle
• The moon was full, the sky clear.
see also full moon
FAT
10. (of a person or part of the body) large and round. ‘Full ’ is sometimes used to avoid saying ‘fat’
• He kissed her full sensual lips.
• They specialize in clothes for women with a fuller figure.
CLOTHES
11. made with plenty of cloth; fitting loosely
• a full skirt
TONE/VOICE/FLAVOUR
12. deep, strong and rich
• He draws a unique full sound from the instrument.
• the full fruity flavour of the wine
Rem: Most idioms containing full are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example full of the joys of spring is at joy.
Word Origin:
Old English, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch vol and German voll.
Thesaurus:
full adj.
1.
• There were boxes full of clothes.
packed • • crammed • • crowded • |informal stuffed • |disapproving overcrowded • • congested •
Opp: empty
full/packed/crammed/crowded/overcrowded/congested with sb/sth
packed/crammed/stuffed full of sb/sth
2.
• We haven't heard the full story.
whole • • complete • • entire • • total •
Opp: partial
a/an full/whole/complete/entire day/set
the full/whole/complete truth/story
full/complete details
3.
• He led a very full life.
busy • • hectic • • eventful • |especially BrE lively •
Opp: empty
a/an full/busy/hectic/eventful day/weekend/week/life
a full/busy/hectic/lively programme
a full/busy/hectic schedule/timetable
Full, busy or hectic? Busy is the most general of these words. A period of time that is full is busy in a good way; if it is hectic then it is usually too busy,
Example Bank:
• Her wine glass was still fairly full.
• I'm full up. I can't eat another thing.
• The bottle was half full of mineral water.
• The garage has got full of junk again.
• The kitchen was absolutely full of flies!
• The reservoirs are all virtually full.
• He'd had a very full life.
• I ordered a full English breakfast.
• I still don't think we've heard the full story.
• I've always believed in living life to the full.
• Life is full of coincidences.
• Many people don't use their computers to their full potential.
• No more for me, thanks— I'm full up.
• Our new brochure is crammed full of inspirational ideas.
• She came round the corner at full speed.
• Students should take full advantage of the college's facilities.
• The kids still weren't full, so I gave them an ice cream each.
• You shouldn't swim on a full stomach.
• measures to achieve full employment
Idioms: full of it ▪ full of yourself ▪ in full ▪ the full
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary
Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary - 4th Edition
full / fʊl / adjective (CONTAINING A LOT)
A2 (of a container or a space) holding or containing as much as possible or a lot:
This cup is very full so be careful with it.
My plate was already full.
I tried to get in the cinema last night but it was full.
Don't talk with your mouth full!
The shelves were full of books.
When she looked at him her eyes were full of tears.
I tried to get on the 8.45 train but it was full (up) .
Don't fill your glass too full or you'll spill it.
The theatre was only half full.
A2 containing a lot of things or people or a lot of something:
This sweater is full of holes.
His essay was full of spelling errors.
I'm full of admiration for you.
You're always so full of energy.
involving a lot of activities:
I've got rather a full week next week - could we postpone our meeting?
She has a very full life.
be full of sth to be talking or thinking a lot about something that you have enjoyed or found exciting:
"Did the kids enjoy their trip to the zoo?" "Oh, yes, they were full of it when they got back this afternoon."
be full of your own importance disapproving to think and act as if you are very important:
Since he got his new job, he's been very full of his own importance.
be full of yourself C2 disapproving to think that you are very important in a way that annoys other people:
I can't stand her - she's so full of herself.
full / fʊl / adjective (COMPLETE)
A2 [ before noun ] complete, whole, or containing a lot of detail:
Please give your full name and address.
We do not yet have full details of the story.
Few journalists have managed to convey the full horror of the situation.
The full impact of the tax changes is yet to be felt.
Today's my last full day in Paris.
He unwound the rope to its full extent.
Are you a full member (= do you have all the membership rights) of the club?
Some plants need to be in full sun (= to have the sun shining on them) all the time.
in full B1 completely:
The bill must be paid in full by the end of the month.
in full flow If an activity is in full flow, it is happening fast and with energy:
Preparations for the event are now in full flow.
be in full swing If an event is in full swing, it has already been happening for a period of time and there is a lot of activity:
The party was in full swing by the time we arrived.
in full view able to be seen by other people:
Andy and Vicki had a furious row outside their house, in full view of the neighbours.
full / fʊl / adjective [ before noun ] (GREATEST POSSIBLE)
B1 the greatest possible:
James is very bright, but he doesn't make full use of his abilities.
Nobody got full marks (= all the answers right) in the spelling test.
It doesn't seem likely that we will see a return to full employment (= that all the people in the country will have a job) in the near future.
full / fʊl / adjective (FOOD)
B2 ( also full up ) having eaten so much food that you cannot eat any more:
No more cake for me, thanks, I'm full.
on a full stomach ( also full up ) having recently eaten:
Never go swimming on a full stomach.
full / fʊl / adjective (LARGE)
(of clothing) loose or containing a lot of material, or (of parts of the body) quite large and rounded:
a full skirt
Women often have full faces /become full in the face when they're pregnant.
She has wonderful full lips.
used to avoid saying 'fat':
They advertise clothes 'for the fuller figure '.
full / fʊl / adjective (STRONG)
(of a flavour, sound, smell, etc.) strong or deep:
This wine has a full fruity flavour.
A cello has a fuller sound than a violin.
Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s English Dictionary
full
/fʊl/
(fuller, fullest)
Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English.
1.
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.
≠ empty
ADJ
2.
If a place or thing is full of things or people, it contains a large number of them.
The case was full of clothes...
The streets are still full of debris from two nights of rioting.
...a useful recipe leaflet full of ideas for using the new cream.
= filled
ADJ: v-link ADJ of n
3.
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...
Mom’s face was full of pain.
...an exquisite mousse, incredibly rich and full of flavour.
ADJ: v-link ADJ of n
4.
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.
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ
5.
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...
People would go into the store and come out with their arms full.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
6.
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.
ADJ: v-link ADJ
• full‧ness
High fibre diets give the feeling of fullness.
N-UNCOUNT
7.
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?...
= complete
ADJ: ADJ n
8.
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...
Then abruptly he revved the engine to full power.
ADJ: ADJ n
•
Full is also an adverb.
...a two-seater Lotus, parked with its headlamps full on.
ADV: ADV adv
9.
You use full to emphasize the completeness, intensity, or extent of something.
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...
ADJ: ADJ n [emphasis]
10.
A full statement or report contains a lot of information and detail.
Mr Primakov gave a full account of his meeting with the President.
...the enormous detail in this very full document.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
11.
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.
You will be successful in whatever you do and you will have a very full and interesting life.
ADJ: usu ADJ n [approval]
12.
You use full to emphasize the force or directness with which someone or something is hit or looked at.
She kissed him full on the mouth...
ADV: ADV prep [emphasis]
13.
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?...
ADJ: ADJ n
14.
A full flavour is strong and rich.
Italian plum tomatoes have a full flavour, and are best for cooking.
ADJ: ADJ n
15.
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.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
16.
A full skirt or sleeve is wide and has been made from a lot of fabric.
My wedding dress has a very full skirt.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
• full‧ness
The coat has raglan sleeves, and is cut to give fullness at the back.
N-UNCOUNT
17.
When there is a full moon, the moon appears as a bright, complete circle.
ADJ: usu ADJ n
18.
You say that something has been done or described in full when everything that was necessary has been done or described.
The medical experts have yet to report in full...
= fully
PHRASE: PHR after v
19.
If you say that a person knows full well that something is true, especially something unpleasant, you are emphasizing that they are definitely aware of it, although they may behave as if they are not.
He knew full well he’d be ashamed of himself later.
PHRASE: V inflects [emphasis]
20.
Something that is done or experienced to the full is done to as great an extent as is possible.
She probably has a good mind, which should be used to the full...
PHRASE: PHR after v
Merriam-Webster's Advanced Learner's Dictionary
1full /ˈfʊl/ adj full·er; -est
1 : containing or holding as much or as many as possible
• a full bottle
• The disk is full.
• The plane was carrying a full load of passengers.
• The theater was full to capacity.
- often + of
• a bottle full of milk
• a bin full of corn
2 always used before a noun
a : not lacking anything : complete in number, amount, etc.
• We bought a full set of dishes.
• They waited for three full months.
• He has a full array of stereo equipment.
• The soldiers were wearing full combat gear.
• This will be his first full season with the team.
✦The phrase a full is often used to stress the large size of an amount.
• He won the match by a full seven strokes.
• It was a full three months before they made a decision.
• He's a full foot taller than his wife.
b : not limited in any way
• His theories have not yet found full acceptance.
• I have full [=complete] confidence in your honesty.
• I hope that you'll give us your fullest cooperation.
• Please give me your full attention.
• We need to take full advantage of this opportunity.
• She's expected to make a full recovery.
• They're not making full use of these resources.
• He's now a full member of the club. = He now has full membership in the club.
• the rights of full citizenship
• a full professor
• We're still waiting to hear the full story of what happened.
• She deserves full credit for meeting the deadline.
c : not reduced or shortened
• He doesn't like having to pay full price.
• We could feel the full impact of every bump.
• What is your full name?
d : existing or working at the highest or greatest degree : developed as much as possible
• The flowers were in full bloom.
• The machine was running at full power/speed.
• The factory is operating at full capacity.
• The tree has not yet reached full size.
• The stereo was at full volume. [=was playing as loudly as possible]
• After the meeting, he had a fuller understanding of the job.
• It'll be a few minutes before you feel the full effect of the drug.
• He hasn't yet realized his full potential as a writer.
3 a always used before a noun : including many things
• She has a full range of interests. [=she is interested in many different things]
• The store carries a full line of products.
b : involving many activities
• We have a full schedule of events planned.
• We have a full day of work ahead of us. : very active
• She lived a very full and satisfying life.
4 : having a rounded shape : not thin or narrow
• She has a full face.
• a woman with a full figure = a full-figured woman
• full lips
5 : having or containing a great number or amount of something
• The room was full of pictures.
• Despite his problems, he was still full of hope.
• full of enthusiasm
• food full of flavor
• He says the charges against him are full of lies.
6 a : having eaten all that is wanted
• No dessert for me, thank you. I'm full. [=(chiefly Brit) full up]
b always used before a noun : large enough to satisfy hunger
• I like to start the day with a full breakfast.
• a full meal
7 a : having a large amount of material
• a full skirt/dress
b : having a large amount of hair
• He has a full [=thick] head of hair.
• a full beard
8 : thinking of something all the time
• He was full of his own concerns.
✦If you are full of yourself, you think of yourself more than you should.
• She is certainly very full of herself.
9 : having a strong and pleasing quality
• a food/wine of full flavor
• His voice is a full, rich baritone.
10 of the moon : appearing as a bright circle
• The moon is full tonight.
full blast
- see 1blast
full count
- see 2count
full of beans
- see bean
full of crap/shit informal + offensive : not to be believed : saying things that are not true
• That guy is full of shit.
full of it informal + sometimes offensive : not to be believed
• His story was so exaggerated that I thought he was full of it.
• Oh, you're so full of it.
full steam/speed ahead
- used to say that something is being done with as much speed and power as possible
• The work started slowly, but now it's full steam ahead.
• The campaign is going full speed ahead.
have your hands full
- see 1hand
not playing with a full deck
- see 1deck
to the fullest : in a very active and energetic way
• She likes to live life to the fullest.
- full·ness also ful·ness noun [noncount]
• the fullness of her voice
• The conditioner added fullness to her hair.
• I expected it would happen in the fullness of time. [=it would happen eventually]
