1 A2 neutral
To enter all the required information on a form, application, or document.
"You'll need to fill out this form before you can see the doctor."
separable
fill out
A2 neutral separable transitive/intransitive
To complete all required fields on a form or document, or to become fuller and more rounded in body.
In plain English
To write all the information needed on a form, or (of a person) to become less thin.
What does "fill out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To become fuller or more rounded in body, especially during growth or after weight gain.
"He was quite slim as a teenager, but he's really filled out since then."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To write in all the empty spaces until the form is full.
Actually means
To write all the information needed on a form, or (of a person) to become less thin.
Usage tip
The dominant American English expression for completing a form. The intransitive sense (a person filling out = becoming less thin) is more informal and often refers to adolescents or people gaining healthy weight. The form-completion sense is neutral and extremely common.
Words that pair with "fill out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
form application questionnaire survey paperwork profile
How to conjugate "fill out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fill out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fills out
he/she/it
Past simple
filled out
yesterday
Past participle
filled out
have + pp
-ing form
filling out
continuous
Hear "fill out" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fill out" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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