1 C1 idiomatic neutral
to complete something by adding extra parts or details
"She pieced out the story with a few facts she remembered later."
mixed
piece out
C1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
to complete, extend, or make something sufficient by adding extra parts
In plain English
to add more pieces so something is enough or complete
What does "piece out" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 C1 idiomatic neutral
to make food, money, or material last longer by adding a little more
"They pieced out the soup with bread and potatoes."
mixed
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to put pieces outward or add pieces to something
Actually means
to add more pieces so something is enough or complete
Usage tip
This is an uncommon phrasal verb in modern English. It appears more often in older, regional, or craft-related contexts.
Words that pair with "piece out"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
a story fabric a meal information the pattern
How to conjugate "piece out"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
piece out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pieces out
he/she/it
Past simple
pieced out
yesterday
Past participle
pieced out
have + pp
-ing form
piecing out
continuous
Hear "piece out" in the wild
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Other ways to say "piece out"
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