To fill is to make something become full by putting something into it, like water in a glass or people in a room. It can also mean to take up space or satisfy a need.
It comes from Old English “fyllan,” related to “full,” both from a common Germanic root. The idea has always been about making something reach its capacity.
“Fill” and “full” are close relatives, which is why they feel so similar in your mouth. When we say a sound “fills the room,” we’re borrowing a physical idea—space occupied—to describe an invisible experience.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.