adj Common

occupied

OK-yuu-pyd

Occupied (adj) means currently in use or taken, such as a seat, room, or toilet. Example: “Sorry, this table is occupied.”

adj

Currently in use or taken, such as a seat, room, or toilet.

"Sorry, this table is occupied."

Busy with a task and unable to do anything else.

"She kept the kids occupied with colouring books."

Under the military control of a foreign power.

"Life in the occupied territory was tightly restricted."

How to Use Occupied

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishIn use, busy, or under foreign control, depending on context.

Common pairings

keep someone occupied occupied territory currently occupied

Word Forms

more occupied comparative, most occupied superlative

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Fill the Gap

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Sorry, this table is _____.

Synonyms

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engaged taken in use filled tied up preoccupied

Related Words

full taken available involved interested busy filled engaged

Rhymes for occupied

lied pied tied fried dried tried allied buried varied envied untied implied

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does “occupied” mean?

The word “occupied” means currently in use or taken, such as a seat, room, or toilet. In plain terms, in use, busy, or under foreign control, depending on context.

How do you pronounce “occupied”?

“Occupied” is pronounced OK-yuu-pyd (/ˈɑkjəpaɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “occupied” in a sentence?

Here is “occupied” used in a sentence: “Sorry, this table is occupied.”

What part of speech is “occupied”?

“Occupied” is an adjective.

Is “occupied” a common word?

“Occupied” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “occupied” have?

“Occupied” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: currently in use or taken, such as a seat, room, or toilet.

What is the difference between 'occupied' and 'vacant'?

Occupied means a seat, room, or toilet is currently in use or taken, while vacant means it is empty and available. Signs on toilet doors often switch between 'occupied' and 'vacant' to show whether someone is inside.

What is the difference between 'occupied' and 'busy'?

Both can describe someone unable to do anything else, but 'busy' simply means having a lot to do, while 'occupied' stresses being absorbed in one particular task at the moment. 'Occupied' also has a separate meaning that 'busy' lacks: a space being in use, such as an occupied seat.

Do you say 'occupied with' or 'occupied by'?

Use 'occupied with' when someone is busy with a task, as in 'she was occupied with paperwork'. Use 'occupied by' when a space is taken up or held, as in 'the room was occupied by guests'.

When should you use 'occupied' instead of 'taken' for a seat?

Both work for a seat that is in use, but 'occupied' is slightly more formal and is common on signs and announcements. 'Taken' is more conversational, as in 'Is this seat taken?'

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