empty
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1emp·ty
adjective \ˈem(p)-tē\emp·ti·eremp·ti·est
Definition of EMPTY
1
a : containing nothing <empty shelves> b : not occupied or inhabited <an empty building> c : unfrequented d : not pregnant <empty heifer> e : null 4a <the empty set>
2
3
: hungry
5
: marked by the absence of human life, activity, or comfort <an empty silence>
— emp·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb
— emp·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun
See Examples of EMPTY
- The arena was completely empty.
- She felt trapped in an empty marriage.
- unhappy people leading empty lives
Origin of EMPTY
Middle English, from Old English ǣmettig unoccupied, from ǣmetta leisure, perhaps from ǣ- without + -metta (probably akin to mōtan to have to) — more at must
First Known Use: before 12th century
Related to EMPTY
Synonym Discussion of EMPTY
empty, vacant, blank, void, vacuous mean lacking contents which could or should be present. empty suggests a complete absence of contents <an empty bucket>. vacant suggests an absence of appropriate contents or occupants <a vacant apartment>. blank stresses the absence of any significant, relieving, or intelligible features on a surface <a blank wall>. void suggests absolute emptiness as far as the mind or senses can determine <a statement void of meaning>. vacuous suggests the emptiness of a vacuum and especially the lack of intelligence or significance <a vacuous facial expression>.
2empty
verbemp·tiedemp·ty·ing
Definition of EMPTY
transitive verb
1
2
: to remove from what holds or encloses
intransitive verb
1
: to become empty <the theater emptied quickly>
2
: to discharge contents <the river empties into the ocean>
Examples of EMPTY
- She emptied the contents of her purse onto the table.
- It's your turn to empty the trash.
First Known Use of EMPTY
1548
3empty
noun plural emp·ties
Definition of EMPTY
: something (as a bottle or can) that is empty
First Known Use of EMPTY
1865
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