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fit1 S1 W2
past tense and past participle fitted also fit American English present participle fitting
past tense and past participle fitted also fit American English present participle fitting1
clothes
a) [intransitive,transitive not in progressive] if a piece of clothing fits you, it is the right size for your body : The jacket's fine, but the trousers don't fit.
The jacket's fine, but the trousers don't fit.b) [transitive usually passive] to try a piece of clothing on someone to see if it is the right size for them, or to make sure a special piece of equipment is right for them
2
right size/shape
a) [intransitive and transitive] if something fits in a place, it is the right size or shape to go there : I couldn't find a key which fitted the lock. Most cookers are designed to fit level with your worktops.
I couldn't find a key which fitted the lock.Most cookers are designed to fit level with your worktops.b) [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to put something carefully into a place that is the right size or shape for it : She fitted the last piece into the jigsaw puzzle.
She fitted the last piece into the jigsaw puzzle.3 if something fits into a place, there is enough space for it : I wanted to put the wardrobe behind the door, but I don't think it'll fit. You might be able to fit some small flowering plants between the larger bushes.
enough space
[intransitive and transitive]I wanted to put the wardrobe behind the door, but I don't think it'll fit.You might be able to fit some small flowering plants between the larger bushes. fit something in/into something I don't think we'll be able to fit any more people into the car. We should be able to fit one more in.
I don't think we'll be able to fit any more people into the car.We should be able to fit one more in.4 to put a piece of equipment into a place, or a new part onto a machine, so that it is ready to be used
equipment/part
[transitive] fit something on/to etc something I need to fit a lock on the door. Anti-theft devices are fitted to all our cars.
I need to fit a lock on the door.Anti-theft devices are fitted to all our cars.5 if something fits another thing, it is similar to it or suitable for it : The punishment should fit the crime. Police said the car fits the description of the stolen vehicle. Scientists often select facts to fit their theories. He didn't fit the conventional image of a banker.
match/be suitable
[intransitive and transitive]The punishment should fit the crime.Police said the car fits the description of the stolen vehicle.Scientists often select facts to fit their theories.He didn't fit the conventional image of a banker.6 to make someone suitable for something or able to do something : His natural authority fitted him for a senior position.
fit somebody for something
formalHis natural authority fitted him for a senior position.7 to be the type of person or thing that you want : We wanted an experienced sportscaster, and Waggoner fit the bill.
fit the bill
We wanted an experienced sportscaster, and Waggoner fit the bill.8 used to tell someone that you think a criticism of them is true : 'So you think I'm a liar.' 'Well, if the cap fits...'
if the cap fits (,wear it)
British English, if the shoe fits (, wear it) American English spoken'So you think I'm a liar.' 'Well, if the cap fits...'➔ somebody's face doesn't fit
at face1 (20)fit in
phrasal verb1 if someone fits in, they are accepted by the other people in a group : I never really fitted in at school.
I never really fitted in at school.2 to manage to do something or see someone, even though you have a lot of other things to do [= squeeze something/somebody ↔ in]: The doctor said he can fit me in at 4:30. I wanted to fit in a swim before breakfast.
fit something/somebody ↔ in
The doctor said he can fit me in at 4:30.I wanted to fit in a swim before breakfast.3 if something fits in with other things, it is similar to them or goes well with them : I don't know quite how this new course will fit in.
I don't know quite how this new course will fit in. fit in with A new building must fit in with its surroundings. You can't expect a baby to fit in with your existing routine.
A new building must fit in with its surroundings.You can't expect a baby to fit in with your existing routine.fit into something
phrasal verb1 to be part of a group or system : Some of the patients we see do not fit neatly into any of the existing categories. How does this fit into the company's overall marketing strategy?
Some of the patients we see do not fit neatly into any of the existing categories.How does this fit into the company's overall marketing strategy?2 to be accepted by the people in a group or organization : She fitted into the team very well.
She fitted into the team very well.fit somebody/something ↔ out
phrasal verbThe office had been fitted out in style.fit together
phrasal verb1 if something fits together or you fit it together, different pieces can be joined to make something : Look, the tubes fit together like this.
Look, the tubes fit together like this.2 if a story, set of facts, set of ideas etc fit together, they make sense when considered together : Telecom and computer businesses fit together well.
Telecom and computer businesses fit together well.fit somebody/something ↔ up
phrasal verb1 to provide a place with the furniture or equipment that it needs [= fit something ↔ out]
2SC informal to make someone seem guilty of a crime when they are really not guilty : I knew that I had been fitted up.
I knew that I had been fitted up.