Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin:

full

1 adjective
     
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full1 S1 W1
1

no space

containing as much or as many things or people as possible, so there is no space left [↪ empty]:
The train was completely full.
Don't talk with your mouth full.
The class is full, but you can register for next term.
full of
The kitchen was full of smoke.
be crammed/stuffed/packed etc full of something
Ted's workshop was crammed full of old engines.
half-full/three-quarters full etc
McQuaid filled his glass until it was three-quarters full.
The bath was full to the brim (=completely full) with hot water.
full (up) to bursting (=completely full) British English informal:
The filing cabinet was full to bursting.
2

including everything

[only before noun] complete and including all parts or details:
Please write your full name and address on the form.
The Health Centre offers a full range of services.
Lotus will not reveal full details until the Motor Show.
The BBC promised a full investigation.
I don't think he's telling us the full story (=everything he knows about the matter).
3

highest amount/level

[only before noun] the highest level or greatest amount of something that is possible [= maximum]:
rising prosperity and full employment
The charity helps disabled children reach their full potential.
Few customers take full advantage of off-peak fares.
Parker was driving at full speed when he hit the wall.
in full leaf/bloom
The roses were now in full bloom.
4

having a lot of something

be full of something

a) to contain many things of the same kind:
a garden full of flowers
His essay was full of mistakes.
The music papers were full of gossip about the band.
Life's full of surprises, isn't it?
b) to feel, express, or show a lot of a particular emotion or quality
full of excitement/energy/hope etc
Lucy was a happy child, always full of life.
He was full of praise for the work of the unit.
c) to talk or think a lot about a particular thing:
She was full of plans for the wedding.
5

food

also full up British English [not before noun] having eaten so much food that you cannot eat any more:
No more, thanks. I'm full.
6

emphasis

[only before noun] used to emphasize an amount, quantity, or rate
three/six etc full days/years/pages etc
We devote five full days a month to training.
His pants rose a full three inches off his shoes.
7

busy

busy and involving lots of different activities:
Before her illness, Rose enjoyed a full life.
Go to bed. You've a full day tomorrow.
8

rank

having or giving all the rights, duties etc that belong to a particular rank or position
full professor/member/colonel etc
Only full members have the right to vote.
a full driving licence
9

be full of yourself

to have a high opinion of yourself - used to show disapproval:
My first impression was that he was a bit full of himself.
10

be full of crap/shit/it

not polite a rude expression used to say that someone often says things that are wrong or stupid:
• Don't listen to Jerry. He's full of it.
11

clothes

DCC made using a lot of material and fitting loosely:
a dress with a full skirt
12

body

large and rounded in an attractive way
13

taste

having a strong satisfying taste:
Now you can enjoy Nescafé's fuller flavour in a decaffeinated form.
 ➔ full-bodied
14

sound

pleasantly loud and deep:
the rich full sound of the cello
15

full price

not a reduced price:
If you're over 14, you have to pay full price.
16

in full view of somebody

so that all the people in a place can see, especially when this is embarrassing or shocking:
The argument happened on stage in full view of the audience.
17

be in full swing

if an event or process is in full swing, it has reached its highest level of activity:
By 8.30, the party was in full swing.
18

full speed/steam ahead

doing something with as much energy and effort as possible:
With last season's misery behind them, it's full steam ahead for the Bears.
19

be full of beans

to be excited and have lots of energy
20

(at) full blast

informal as strongly, loudly, or quickly as possible:
The heater was on full blast but I was still cold.
a car stereo playing Wagner at full blast
21

(at) full tilt/pelt

moving as fast as possible:
She ran full tilt into his arms.
22

be in full cry

if a group of people are in full cry, they are criticizing someone very strongly:
Anyone who's seen the world's press in full cry can understand how Diana felt.
23

to the full

to the fullest American English in the best or most complete way:
24

come/go/turn full circle

to be in the same situation in which you began, even though there have been changes during the time in between:
Fashion has come full circle and denim is back.
➔ fully

; ➔ have your hands full

at hand1 (29)

; ➔ draw yourself up to your full height

at draw up (4)
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
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