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

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 Bread Huse explains that, beyond the fillings, the biggest asset of a Columbia Cuban might be the bread. Andrew Barrett Schrader, Southern Living, 25 Mar. 2025 They are filled with shredded gel memory foam, and shoppers can remove some filling to adjust the pillow from firm to plush depending on their sleep needs and preferences. Maggie Horton, People.com, 22 Mar. 2025 Spoon the filling into the egg whites and top with parsley and paprika. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Mar. 2025 Leave the filling intact and scatter green sugar sprinkles on half the pieces. Kimberly Stoney, Parents, 19 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Filling.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/filling. Accessed 1 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

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

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!