1 B2 neutral
To fill an area, shape, or section with solid black colour using a pen, marker, or other medium.
"The designer blacked in the background behind the logo to make it stand out."
separable
black in
B2 neutral separable transitive
To fill in an area or section with solid black colour, typically in drawing, design, or marking.
In plain English
To colour something completely black, like filling in a shape with a black pen.
What does "black in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make something black by filling it in — fully transparent.
Actually means
To colour something completely black, like filling in a shape with a black pen.
Usage tip
Used in art, graphic design, and everyday contexts like filling in a form or diagram. Less common than 'fill in' or 'colour in' but straightforward in meaning. Also occasionally used in the context of censorship (blacking out text), though 'black out' is more standard for that.
Words that pair with "black in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
square area shape section border outline
How to conjugate "black in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
black in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
blacks in
he/she/it
Past simple
blacked in
yesterday
Past participle
blacked in
have + pp
-ing form
blacking in
continuous
Hear "black in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "black in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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