Dictionary

fill in the blank en · NOUN

Etymology

As a noun, a clipping of fill-in-the-blank question, problem, &c.

Meanings

1. A language exercise in which one or more words are replaced with a blank line and the reader is tasked with supplying a valid replacement.
   • The emphasis on doing the Bible study portion. This is not a fill in the blank with a simple answer from the Bible that “says” what we are looking for. 2009, Randy Huddleston, Getting to Know God, page 43:
   • The test consisted of fill-in-the-blank sentences.
2. (figuratively, idiomatic) A placeholder allowing for any of a variety of possible answers or a single elicited answer.
   • It was important that she make something memorable. She wanted to be complimented. She wanted people to go home after the party and say, “Wasn't Dorothy's — fill in the blank — amazing?" 2011, Debra Ginsberg, The Neighbors Are Watching: A Novel, page 55:

Forms

Hyponyms

cloze

Synonyms

gap fill

Translations (7)

fr exercice à trous (Translations) · de Lücken- (Translations) · ko 빈칸채우기 (Translations) · ta கோடிட்ட இடத்தை நிரப்புக (Translations) · bg попълни празното място (Translations) · fi täydennys- (Translations) · es cumplimentar la casilla (Translations)

fill in the blank en · VERB

Etymology

As a noun, a clipping of fill-in-the-blank question, problem, &c.

Meanings

1. To complete a single fill in the blank question.
2. (figuratively, idiomatic) To complete an interruption, ambiguity, or vagueness in understanding, perception, or context.
   • The Zionists intended to shape the perceptions of a global public with limited interest in or understanding of the issues, filling in the blanks with their own narrative. 2010, George Friedman, Flotillas and the Wars of Public Opinion:

Forms

Synonyms

gapfill