blank
BLANGK
Blank (adj) means Free of writing, marks, or content; empty. Example: “Write your name on the blank line at the bottom of the form.”
adj
1
Free of writing, marks, or content; empty.
"Write your name on the blank line at the bottom of the form."
"She stared at the blank page, unsure how to start."
"Please leave this field blank if it doesn't apply to you."
2
Showing no expression, understanding, or emotion.
"Her face went blank when the teacher asked the question."
"The stranger's blank stare made me feel quite unwelcome."
"He gave me a blank look when I mentioned the deadline."
noun
1
A cartridge loaded with gunpowder but no bullet, used for training or effects rather than firing a projectile.
"The starter pistol was loaded with blanks, so nobody was in danger."
"The trainer explained that blanks make a loud bang but fire nothing."
"The actors used blanks for the gunfight scene."
verb
1
To go suddenly unable to remember something.
"I blanked in the exam and forgot every date I had revised."
"Her mind blanked as she stepped onto the stage."
"I completely blanked on her name during the introduction."
2
To deliberately ignore someone.
"My neighbour blanked me in the street this morning."
"Why did he blank us when we waved at him?"
"He tried to say hello, but she just blanked him."
How to use blank
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEmpty of content or expression — or, as a verb, to suddenly forget something or deliberately ignore someone.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
blank page
blank stare
blank check
fire blanks
blank on something
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- blanks
- Past tense
- blanked
- Comparative
- blanker, more blank
- Superlative
- most blank, blankest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Write your name on the _____ line at the bottom of the form.
Etymology
From Old French blanc, "white," via Middle English — the sense shifted from "white/pale" to "empty" over time.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for blank
See all rhymes for blank →Frequently asked questions
What does “blank” mean?
The word “blank” means free of writing, marks, or content; empty. In plain terms, empty of content or expression — or, as a verb, to suddenly forget something or deliberately ignore someone.
How do you pronounce “blank”?
“Blank” is pronounced BLANGK (/ˈbleɪ̯ŋk/ in IPA).
How do you use “blank” in a sentence?
Here is “blank” used in a sentence: “She stared at the blank page, unsure how to start.”
What part of speech is “blank”?
Depending on how it is used, “blank” can be an adjective, a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “blank” come from?
The word “blank” comes from Old French. From Old French blanc, "white," via Middle English — the sense shifted from "white/pale" to "empty" over time.
Is “blank” a common word?
“Blank” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “blank” have?
“Blank” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: free of writing, marks, or content; empty.
What is the difference between blank and empty?
"Blank" usually describes a surface that has no writing, marks, or content on it, such as a blank page or screen. "Empty" describes something with nothing inside it, like an empty box, so a page can be blank while a container is empty.
What is the difference between blank and plain?
"Blank" means free of any writing, marks, or content, while "plain" means simple or without decoration but not necessarily empty. A plain page could still have text on it; a blank page has none.
What is the difference between blank and clear?
"Blank" emphasises the absence of marks or content on a surface, while "clear" often emphasises the absence of obstruction or the quality of being easy to see through. A form can be blank (unfilled) but a sky is clear (unclouded).
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