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 spinach and feta pastry was delicious, salty enough from the cheese filling and not too heavy. — Eva Flowe june 27, Charlotte Observer, 27 June 2026 This special recipe has not one, but two fresh fruit fillings—oh, and a deliciously creamy mascarpone frosting. — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 2026 The dessert is made of McDonald's signature apple filling and a golden, fried crust. — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 2 July 2026 Our take on the classic Omaha Cake recipe is made with buttery vanilla cake, cherry pie filling, and a powdered sugar glaze. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 June 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 7 Jul. 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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