Simple Definition of empty
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: containing nothing
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: not having any people : not occupied
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: having no real purpose or value
Full Definition of empty
emptier
emptiest
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 a : lacking reality, substance, meaning, or value : hollow <an empty pleasure> b : destitute of effect or force <an empty threat> c : devoid of sense : foolish
3 : hungry
4 a : idle <empty hours> b : having no purpose or result : useless
5 : marked by the absence of human life, activity, or comfort <an empty silence>
Examples of empty in a sentence
The arena was completely empty.
She felt trapped in an empty marriage.
unhappy people leading empty lives
Origin and Etymology 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
Synonym Discussion of empty
synonyms see in addition vain
empty
Simple Definition of empty
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: to remove the contents of (something) : to make (something) empty
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: to remove all of (something) from a container
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: to become empty
Full Definition of empty
emptied
emptying
transitive verb
1 a : to make empty : remove the contents of <empty a purse> b : deprive, divest <a phrase emptied of all meaning> c : to discharge (itself) of contents d : to fire (a repeating firearm) until empty
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 in a sentence
She emptied the contents of her purse onto the table.
It's your turn to empty the trash.
1548
First Known Use of empty
1548
empty
Simple Definition of empty
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: an empty bottle or can
Full Definition of empty
pluralempties
: something (as a bottle or can) that is empty
1865
First Known Use of empty
1865
EMPTY Defined for Kids
Definition of empty for Students
emptied
emptying
1 : to remove the contents of <Please empty the wastebasket.>
2 : to remove all of (something) from a container <Empty the flour into the bin.>
3 : to become unoccupied <The school quickly emptied.>
4 : to flow into <The river empties into the gulf.>
Learn More about empty
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for empty Spanish Central: Translation of empty Nglish: Translation of empty for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of empty for Arabic speakers
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