empty
EHM-tee
Empty (adj) means containing nothing; not filled or occupied. Example: “The fridge was completely empty after the party.”
adj
1
Containing nothing; not filled or occupied.
"The fridge was completely empty after the party."
"They found an empty seat near the back of the theater."
"The car park was empty when we arrived at dawn."
2
Lacking real meaning, value, or sincerity.
"His apology felt empty, like he didn't really mean it."
"Their promises to visit more often sounded empty to me."
"It is an empty gesture if you do not follow it up."
verb
1
To remove all the contents from something.
"Please empty your pockets before going through security."
"She emptied the trash can into the bin outside."
"He emptied the bucket of dirty water down the drain."
How to use empty
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHaving nothing inside, or (for words/gestures) lacking real sincerity or meaning.
Common pairings
empty room
empty promise
empty stomach
empty out
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Word forms
- Plural
- empties
- Third person singular
- empties
- Past tense
- emptied
- Comparative
- emptier
- Superlative
- emptiest
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fridge was completely _____ after the party.
Etymology
From Old English aemtig, "vacant, unoccupied, at leisure," ultimately from a root meaning "without obligation."
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “empty” mean?
The word “empty” means containing nothing; not filled or occupied. In plain terms, having nothing inside, or (for words/gestures) lacking real sincerity or meaning.
How do you pronounce “empty”?
“Empty” is pronounced EHM-tee (/ˈɛm(p).ti/ in IPA).
How do you use “empty” in a sentence?
Here is “empty” used in a sentence: “The fridge was completely empty after the party.”
What is another word for “empty”?
Words with a similar meaning to “empty” include empty as a pauper's purse, empty as the tomb on Easter, clean, leer, toom and unfilled.
What is the opposite of “empty”?
The opposite of “empty” — its antonyms — are cramful, cramfull, freighted, fraught and full.
What part of speech is “empty”?
Depending on how it is used, “empty” can be an adjective and a verb.
Where does the word “empty” come from?
The word “empty” comes from Old English. From Old English aemtig, "vacant, unoccupied, at leisure," ultimately from a root meaning "without obligation.".
Is “empty” a common word?
“Empty” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between empty and vacant?
'Empty' means containing nothing at all, like an empty glass. 'Vacant' means unoccupied and available, and is used mainly for spaces, seats, jobs, or homes; a vacant flat may still have furniture but no one living in it. Empty focuses on contents, while vacant focuses on occupancy.
What is the opposite of empty?
The main opposite is 'full,' meaning holding as much as it can. 'Occupied' is the opposite when talking about space, as in an occupied seat. Depending on context, 'packed,' 'loaded,' and 'crowded' also serve as opposites of empty.
Can 'empty' be used figuratively?
Yes, often. An 'empty promise' or 'empty threat' is one with no real substance behind it. 'Empty words' lack sincerity, and someone can feel 'empty' when they sense a lack of meaning or emotion. In these uses, empty describes a lack of value or feeling rather than physical contents.
Can 'empty' be a verb?
Yes. As well as being an adjective, 'empty' works as a verb meaning to remove the contents of something, as in 'please empty the bin' or 'she emptied her pockets.' It can also describe a space clearing out, as when a room empties after a meeting ends.
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