Definition of Empty

Full 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

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>

— emp·ti·ly \-tə-lē\ adverb

— emp·ti·ness \-tē-nəs\ noun

See empty defined for English-language learners

See empty defined for kids

True or False? Play our trivia
game for a fun break. »

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

Synonyms: bare, blank, clean, devoid, stark, toom [chiefly Scottish], vacant, vacuous, void

Antonyms: full

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>.