fitter; fittest
1
a
: proper or acceptable : morally or socially correct
—often + for
a movie fit [=suitable] for the whole family
This is not a fit subject for discussion with children.
a subject not fit for discussion
—often followed by to + verba subject not fit to be discussed
b
: suitable for a specified purpose
—often + for
This water is not fit for drinking.
The building is no longer fit for human habitation.
—often followed by to + verbThis water is not fit to drink.
The building is no longer fit for people to live in.
2
a
: physically healthy and strong
physically fit
He felt overmatched against fitter [=healthier], stronger players.
Patients are encouraged to get/keep fit.
Are you fit enough to walk there?
b
British slang
: sexually attractive : sexy
3
: having the necessary skills
—usually + for
I just don't think he's fit [=qualified] for this job.
4
: made ready : put in a suitable state
—usually + for
get the ship fit [=prepared] for sea
fits; fitted or chiefly US fit; fitting
1
not used in progressive tenses
: to be the right size and shape for (someone or something)
The suit fits him perfectly.
I hope this key fits the lock.
The two pieces fit each other perfectly.
These shoes fit perfectly.
This calculator will fit nicely/neatly in your shirt pocket.
pants that fit tightly/loosely = tight-fitting/loose-fitting pants
The two pieces fit together perfectly.
Note: Something that fits (you) like a glove fits (you) very well.
Note: The phrase one size fits all describes a hat, piece of clothing, etc., that is made in a size that is supposed to fit everyone. This phrase is commonly used figuratively.
2
not used in progressive tenses
a
: to go into or through a particular space
All these groceries won't fit in the trunk of my car. = These groceries won't all fit in the trunk of my car.
How many people can fit in a phone booth?
The box was too large to fit through the door.
b
: to cause (something) to go into or through a particular space
I can't fit all these groceries into the trunk of my car.
We weren't able to fit the box through the door.
3
past tense and past participle fitted
a
: to measure (someone) in order to choose clothes that are the right size and shape for that person
—usually used as (be) fitted
I'm being fitted [=measured] for a new suit tomorrow.
b
: to change the shape or form of (a piece of clothing) for a particular person
fitting the jacket to the customer
4
: to find time to meet with (someone) or do (something)
—usually + in or into
I'll try to fit you into my schedule.
The doctor can fit you in this afternoon. [=the doctor can meet with you this afternoon]
She's got a lot of meetings to fit in this morning.
5
: to belong in a particular situation, place, or group
It's a good school, but I feel like I just don't fit here.
—usually + inI was looking for a group that I could fit in with.
No matter how hard she tried, she just didn't fit in.
He fit right in at school.
That chair fits in well with the rest of the office.
6
not used in progressive tenses
a
: to be suitable or appropriate for (someone or something)
The nickname fits [=suits] him very well.
The punishment should fit the crime.
b
: to make (someone or something) suitable or appropriate for or to something
Her previous experience fitted [=qualified] her for the job.
Let us fit the punishment to the crime.
7
not used in progressive tenses
: to be in agreement with (something or someone)
Their story doesn't fit the facts.
He fits [=matches] the description perfectly. = The description fits him perfectly.
8
past tense and past participle fitted
: to supply equipment for (something)
a lab fitted with the latest equipment
The camera can be fitted with many different lenses.
—often + out or upfit out an expedition
an old ocean liner fitted up as a hospital ship
plural fits
: the way something fits : the way something suits the size and shape of your body or goes into or through a particular space
The fit of this shirt is a bit tight.
a loose/snug fit
It's a tight fit but I think we can get the box through the door.
a comfortable fit
That dress is a good fit for you. [=that dress fits you well; it is the right size and shape for your body]
plural fits
1
: an uncontrolled expression of strong emotion
He threw a fit [=he became very angry and upset] when they accused him of cheating.
She has/throws a fit [=tantrum] when she doesn't get what she wants.
2
: a sudden occurrence of some activity, emotion, etc.
a fit of anger
a fit of coughing = a coughing fit
He apologized profusely in a fit of remorse.
The joke sent the audience into fits of laughter. [=it made the people in the audience laugh a lot]
3
: an abnormal state in which you become unconscious and your body moves in an uncontrolled and violent way
an epileptic fit [=(more commonly) seizure]
Cite this Entry
“Fit.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/fit. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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