filling

noun

fill·​ing ˈfi-liŋ How to pronounce filling (audio)
Synonyms of fillingnext
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
a fruit filling

Synonyms of filling

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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.
The cabin comes in white-brown, black-brown, or all-black color schemes and features five seats with 10-layer filling, ventilation (bottom-blow, back-suction), and heating. — New Atlas, 1 Aug. 2026 Homemade plum compote stains the filling with a vibrant red ribbon. — Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Aug. 2026 Michelson arranged them in the body of water’s original shape prior to its pollution by colonial industry and its filling-in at the beginning of the 19th century. — Francesca Aton, ARTnews.com, 30 July 2026 The buttery pretzel crust delivers a salty crunch that balances the silky cream cheese layer and bright lemon filling. — Marianne Williams, Southern Living, 30 July 2026 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

Phrases Containing filling

Rhymes for filling

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Browse Nearby Words

fill in
filling
filling fork
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Cite this Entry

“Filling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filling. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of filling for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about filling

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