1
: containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
a full hamper
—often used with ofa bin full of corn
2
a
: complete especially in detail, number, or duration
a full report
gone a full hour
my full share
b
: lacking restraint, check, or qualification
full retreat
full support
c
: having all distinguishing characteristics : enjoying all authorized rights and privileges
full member
full professor
d
: not lacking in any essential : perfect
in full control of your senses
e(1)
: completely occupied by runners
came to bat with the bases full
(2)
: having three balls and two strikes
a full count
3
a
: being at the highest or greatest degree : maximum
full speed
full strength
b
: being at the height of development
full bloom
c
: being a full moon : completely illuminated
The moon is full tonight.
4
: rounded in outline
a full figure
5
a
: possessing or containing a great number or amount
—used with of
a room full of pictures
full of hope
his claims are full of lies
b
: having an abundance of material especially in the form of gathered, pleated, or flared parts
a full skirt
c
—used as an intensive to emphasize the large size of an amount
won by a full four strokes
was a full 3 months late with her payment
d
: rich in experience
a full life
living life to the fullest [= in a very active way]
6
a
: satisfied especially with food or drink
He was full after eating the large supper.
b
: large enough to satisfy
a full meal
7
archaic
: completely weary
8
: having both parents in common
full sisters
9
: having volume or depth of sound
full tones
10
: completely occupied especially with a thought or plan
full of his own concerns
11
: possessing a rich or pronounced quality
a food of full flavor
see also:
1
: the highest or fullest state or degree
the full of the moon
2
: the utmost extent
enjoy to the full
see also:
fulled; fulling; fulls
of the moon
: to become full
: to make full in sewing
fulled; fulling; fulls
: to shrink and thicken (woolen cloth) by moistening, heating, and pressing
Examples of full in a Sentence
Adjective
The plane was carrying a full load of passengers.
The theater was full to capacity.
We bought a full set of dishes.
They waited for three full months.
He has a full array of stereo equipment.
The soldiers were wearing full combat gear.
This will be his first full season with the team.
His theories have not yet found full acceptance.
I hope that you'll give us your fullest cooperation.
Please give me your full attention.
Adverb
The cup was filled full to the brim.
The ball hit him full in the chest.
He kissed her full on the lips.
Noun
the account is now paid in full
Recent Examples on the Web
Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Are other companies going to have full access to that historic data?
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
All sizes will be available, including twins from $99, fulls ($149), queens ($199) and kings ($299).
—Don Maines, Houston Chronicle, 27 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for full
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.
Adjective
Some questions may be adapted into full columns, and transcripts of the chats remain available after each session concludes.
—Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 27 Mar. 2026
Are other companies going to have full access to that historic data?
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Mar. 2026
Noun
To apply with your hands, dispense two dropper fulls, rub the palms of your hands together, and then evenly rub into your face and neck—just don’t forget to wash your hands when you’re done.
—Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025
All sizes will be available, including twins from $99, fulls ($149), queens ($199) and kings ($299).
—Don Maines, Houston Chronicle, 27 Feb. 2020
See All Example Sentences for full
Cite this Entry
“Full.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/full. Accessed 12 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
full
1 of 3 adjective1
: containing as much or as many as possible or normal
a bottle full of milk
a full hamper
2
a
: complete in number, amount, or duration
a full set of dishes
for a full hour
b
: not missing any essentials : perfect
in full control of the car
c
: being at the highest or greatest degree
in full bloom
at full power
full strength
d
: fully lighted
the moon is full
e
: completely occupied by runners
come to bat with the bases full
f
: having three balls and two strikes
a full count
3
a
: plump and rounded in outline
a full face
b
: having much material
a full skirt
4
: possessing or containing a great number or amount
a room full of pictures
full of hope
5
: satisfied especially with food or drink
6
: having the same parents
full sisters
7
: completely taken up especially with a thought or plan
full of one's own concerns
full of oneself
8
: having a rich quality
a full voice
fullness
noun
full
2 of 3 adverb1
a
: very entry 2 sense 1, extremely
knew full well who they were
b
: all the way : entirely
filled full
2
: smack entry 5, squarely
was hit full in the face
full
3 of 3 noun
: the highest state, extent, or degree
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