fit

1 of 6

adjective

ˈfit 

fitter; fittest

1

a

: acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality) : proper

a movie fit for the whole family

b(1)

: adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art

found him to be a fit officer and gentleman

—Time

(2)

: adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving

2

: sound physically and mentally : healthy

keeps fit by playing tennis and handball

3

a

: put into a suitable state : made ready

get the house fit for company

getting the ship fit for sea

b

: being in such a state as to be or seem ready to do or suffer something

fair fit to cry I was

—Bryan MacMahon

laughing fit to burst

fitly adverb

fit

2 of 6

verb

fitted or fit; fitting; fits

transitive verb

1

a

: to conform correctly to the shape or size of

These jeans don't fit me anymore.

b(1)

: to insert or adjust until correctly in place

Fit the dough into the pan.

He had some trouble fitting all of the pieces back into place.

(2)

: to make or adjust to the right shape and size

Theresa uploaded a snapshot on Twitter showing some of the mannequins she uses to fit the costumes.

—Gemma Strong

(3)

: to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn by

The tailor fitted him for a new suit.

c

: to make a place or room for : accommodate

She fit all of the books into a single box.

2

a

: to be suitable for or to : harmonize with

"My first impression of Joy was that her name fit her perfectly. She radiated joy and calmness …"

—Beth Coger

b

archaic : to be seemly or proper for

It fits us, then, to be as provident / As fear may teach us …

—William Shakespeare

3

: to be in agreement or accord with

The theory fits all the facts.

4

a

: to put into a condition of readiness

His temperament fitted him to understand an age of courageous exploits …

—Van Wyck Brooks

b

: to cause to conform to or suit something

You must fit the words to the music.

5

: supply, equip

fitted the ship with new engines

—often used with out

The guest rooms … have been fitted out with antique and reproduction furnishings …

—Mimi Elder

6

mathematics : to adjust (a smooth curve of a specified type) to a given set of points

intransitive verb

1

: to conform to a particular shape or size

The dress fits perfectly.

also : to be accommodated

Will we all fit into the car?

2

: to be in harmony or accord : belong

—often used with in

"He wanted the house to look natural, to fit in with the island landscape. …"

—Olivia Harrison

I arrived in the United States at age three and grew up wanting both to live up to the … expectations of my parents and to fit in with the customs of my new homeland.

—Nely Galán

3

chiefly British : to experience or be affected with a seizure and especially an epileptic seizure

The 48-year-old was shopping in Stourbridge's Ryemarket when she collapsed and began fitting.

—Birmingham (U.K.) Evening Mail

4

archaic : to be seemly, proper, or suitable

Why dost thou laugh? It fits not with this hour.

—William Shakespeare

fitter noun

fit

3 of 6

noun (1)

: the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted: such as

a

: the way clothing fits the wearer

b

: the degree of closeness between surfaces in an assembly of parts

c

: goodness of fit

fit

4 of 6

noun (2)

1

: an emotional reaction (as in anger or frustration)

has a fit when I show up late

2

: a sudden burst or flurry (as of activity)

cleaned the whole house in a fit of efficiency

3

a

: a sudden violent attack of a disease (such as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness : paroxysm

b

: a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance

fit

5 of 6

noun (3)

archaic

: a division of a poem or song

fit

6 of 6

dialectal past tense and past participle of fight

Phrases

fit to be tied

: extremely angry or irritated

Dad was fit to be tied when my sister came home late last night.

fit to kill

: in a striking manner

dressed fit to kill

by fits or by fits and starts or in fits and starts

: in an impulsive and irregular manner

construction proceeded by fits and starts

Synonyms

Adjective

• applicable
• appropriate
• apt
• becoming
• befitting
• felicitous
• fitted
• fitting
• good
• happy
• meet
• pretty
• proper
• right
• suitable

Verb

• befit
• beseem [archaic]
• do
• go
• serve
• suit

Noun (2)

• access
• attack
• bout
• case
• seizure
• siege
• spell
• turn

Choose the Right Synonym for fit

fit, suitable, meet, proper, appropriate, fitting, apt, happy, felicitous mean right with respect to some end, need, use, or circumstance.

fit stresses adaptability and sometimes special readiness for use or action.

fit for battle

suitable implies an answering to requirements or demands.

clothes suitable for camping

meet suggests a just proportioning.

meet payment

proper suggests a suitability through essential nature or accordance with custom.

proper acknowledgement

appropriate implies eminent or distinctive fitness.

an appropriate gift

fitting implies harmony of mood or tone.

a fitting end

apt connotes a fitness marked by nicety and discrimination.

apt quotations

happy suggests what is effectively or successfully appropriate.

a happy choice of words

felicitous suggests an aptness that is opportune, telling, or graceful.

a felicitous phrase

Examples of fit in a Sentence

Adjective

Patients are encouraged to get fit.

Are you fit enough to walk there?

Verb

The suit fits him perfectly.

I hope this key fits the lock.

The two pieces fit each other perfectly.

This calculator will fit nicely in your shirt pocket.

The two pieces fit together perfectly.

How many people can fit in a phone booth?

The box was too large to fit through the door.

I can't fit all these groceries into the trunk of my car.

We weren't able to fit the box through the door.

fitting the jacket to the customer

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Style it with blue jeans and a plain white T-shirt to recreate the supermodel’s casual ‘fit, or throw it over a sundress with heels for a dressier outfit at night. —Averi Baudler, Peoplemag, 1 Apr. 2024

In another sitdown before the media, Xavi also revealed that the former Manchester City man should be fit enough to perhaps get a run out. —Tom Sanderson, Forbes, 30 Mar. 2024

Shoppers raved that the $35 style hits all the marks for comfort, style, and fit. Scoop Buckle Slide Sandals These casual slide sandals feel so much more elevated than similar styles thanks to the oversized tortoiseshell buckle and .5-inch block heel. —Megan Schaltegger, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

The Sesame Street crew teamed up with bedding and bath company Brooklinen to create a brand new collection of products fit for any dedicated fan of the show. —Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Mar. 2024

Needless to say, Beyoncé’s Billboard chart history is one fit for a queen. —Kyle Denis, Billboard, 28 Mar. 2024

Prosecutors said the charge fit because the men used pickup trucks to cut off Arbery's escape from the neighborhood. —CBS News, 27 Mar. 2024

Among the issues addressed: fertility, family planning, pelvic floor therapy, proper sports bra fit, preventative screenings and bone health. —Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 26 Mar. 2024

Choose from mirrored and non-mirrored styles and one of three included nose pieces for an even better fit. —Marisa Petrarca, Travel + Leisure, 20 Mar. 2024

Verb

Sometimes Pecker would suggest a preferred cover line, forcing us to twist a story to fit the language. —Lachlan Cartwright, New York Times, 3 Apr. 2024

For me, that means finding shoes that are suitable for long travel days, offer support while walking around my destination, and are stylish enough to seamlessly fit into my wardrobe. —Rachel Trujillo, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2024

The trio also managed to expand their mission through collaborations that fit like a glove, including projects with Vieux Farka Touré and Leon Bridges. —Evan Haga, SPIN, 2 Apr. 2024

Choose from smaller wreaths to larger, more ornate options that will fit every home or doorway. —Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 2 Apr. 2024

Sometimes girls may not fit the criteria of autism, and girls tend to be better able to mask symptoms by mimicking friends' behaviors. —Michael George, CBS News, 2 Apr. 2024

Every airline has its own guidelines for traveling with pets and the websites for domestic carriers like Southwest, JetBlue, American, Alaska, United and Delta each spell out what pets can travel where and the requirements for a carrier that can fit under the seat. —USA TODAY, 1 Apr. 2024

When shopping for a tongue scraper, consider the materials (like stainless steel, copper, or plastic), the shape and design (is the tongue scraper small enough to fit in your mouth?), and ease of cleaning. —Daley Quinn, Verywell Health, 1 Apr. 2024

That fits smoothly with the return of bass-baritone Dashon Burton for a second season as the MSO's artistic partner. —Jim Higgins, Journal Sentinel, 22 Mar. 2024

Noun

When seeking the perfect fit for my curvy figure, my go-to choice is always Good American. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 3 Apr. 2024

The model and Palm Royale actor was spotted leaving New York City in the platonic ideal of an airplane ’fit. —Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 3 Apr. 2024

Burgess said that their restaurant’s philosophy is a perfect fit with what Paradise Farms is trying to achieve. —Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

Building more general population shelter beds is important, but that is not the right fit for people needing to address substance use disorders. —Jim Vargas, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2024

Require vibrant color printing for photos or graphics: A high-quality inkjet photo printer might be a better fit. —Nilay Patel, The Verge, 2 Apr. 2024

Jim Kohlberg and the folks at Story Mining and Supply Co. are the perfect fit. —Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 2 Apr. 2024

The 39-year-old has achieved a great deal of success at Sporting CP playing a brand of attack-minded, modern soccer that would be a good fit for Liverpool. —Graham Ruthven, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Fewer barriers to healthcare, more research Cox says Mark and Cindy were a natural fit for Just Imagine co-chairs because they don’t get caught up in the bureaucracy of healthcare. —Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 21 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English; akin to Middle English fitten

Verb and Noun (1)

Middle English fitten to marshal troops, from or akin to Middle Dutch vitten to be suitable

Noun (2)

Middle English, from Old English fitt strife

Noun (3)

Middle English, from Old English fitt; akin to Old Saxon fittea division of a poem, Old High German fizza skein

First Known Use

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1b(1)

Verb

circa 1586, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 4

Noun (1)

1823, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

circa 1541, in the meaning defined at sense 3a

Noun (3)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing fit

• fit for a king
• fit the pattern of
• pitch a fit
• fit (into/in) the mold of
• fit of laughter
• goodness of fit
• fit to burst
• fit to kill
• see/think fit
• fit as a fiddle
• hissy fit
• fit as a flea
• in no (fit) state
• throw a fit
• fit to be tied
• shit-fit
• fit the bill
• have a fit

Kids Definition

fit

1 of 4 adjective

ˈfit 

fitter; fittest

1

: suitable for a particular purpose

water fit for drinking

especially : so adapted to the environment as to be capable of surviving

—often used in the phrase survival of the fittest

2

: acceptable from a particular point of view : proper

a movie fit for the whole family

3

: ready entry 1 sense 1, prepared

get the ship fit for sea

4

: qualified sense 1, competent

fit for the job

5

: sound physically and mentally : healthy

fitness noun

fit

2 of 4 noun

1

: a sudden violent attack of a disease or condition (as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or loss of consciousness

2

: a sudden outburst (as of laughter or anger)

fit

3 of 4 verb

fitted or fit; fitting

1

: to be suitable for or to : befit

2

a

: to be of the right size and shape

the suit fits

b

: to insert or adjust until correctly in place

c

: to make a place or room for

fit another chair

3

: to be in agreement with

his story fits the facts

4

a

: to make ready : prepare

b

: to bring to a required form and size : adjust

5

: to supply what is needed for : equip

fit out an expedition

6

: to be in harmony or agreement : belong

—often used with in

fit

4 of 4 noun

1

: the way something fits

a tight fit

2

: a piece of clothing that fits

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English fit "suitable to a particular purpose"

Noun

Old English fitt "strife"

Medical Definition

fit

1 of 3 noun

ˈfit 

1

: a sudden violent attack of a disease (as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness : paroxysm

2

: a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance

fits of shivering

fit

2 of 3 adjective

fitter; fittest

1

: adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving

2

: sound physically and mentally : healthy

fitness noun

fit

3 of 3 noun

: the fact, condition, or manner of being fitted or adapted