filling

noun

fill·​ing ˈfi-liŋ How to pronounce filling (audio)
1
: an act or instance of filling
2
: something used to fill a cavity, container, or depression
3
: something that completes: such as
a
: the yarn interlacing the warp in a fabric
also : yarn for the shuttle
b
: a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches

Examples of filling in a Sentence

a filling for a tooth pies that need more filling
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
This casserole, from our 1991 recipe collection, has a classic sweet potato filling, but it’s sweetened with apple butter for a richer, more concentrated flavor. Melinda Salchert, Southern Living, 15 Oct. 2025 To make the filling, in a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter. Kathryn Gregory, Louisville Courier Journal, 15 Oct. 2025 The filling, as well as the sprinkles and the frosting, will remain the same. Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025 Her husband knocked frames down and fixed the walls, while Donaldson took on taping, filling, sanding and painting. Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for filling

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of filling was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Filling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filling. Accessed 17 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

filling

noun
fill·​ing ˈfil-iŋ How to pronounce filling (audio)
1
: material that is used to fill something
a filling for a tooth
2
: something that completes: as
a
: the yarn crossing over and under the warp in a fabric
b
: a food mixture used to fill pastry or sandwiches

Medical Definition

filling

noun
fill·​ing ˈfil-iŋ How to pronounce filling (audio)
1
: material (as gold or amalgam) used to fill a cavity in a tooth
2
: simple sporadic lymphangitis of the leg of a horse commonly due to overfeeding and insufficient exercise

More from Merriam-Webster on filling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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