adjective, adverb
adjective (fuller, fullest)
with no empty space
1 ~ (of sth) containing or holding as much or as many as possible; having no empty space:
a full bottle of wine * She could only nod, because her mouth was full. * My suitcase was full of books. * There were cardboard boxes stuffed full of clothes. * (BrE) Sorry, the hotel is full up tonight.
having a lot
2 ~ of sth having or containing a large number or amount of sth:
The sky was full of brightly coloured fireworks. * Life is full of coincidences. * Our new brochure is crammed full of inspirational ideas. * animals pumped full of antibiotics * She was full of admiration for the care she had received. * He smiled, his eyes full of laughter.
talking a lot
3 (of a person) ~ of sth thinking or talking a lot about a particular thing:
He was full of his new job and everything he'd been doing.
with food
4 (BrE also full up) having had enough to eat:
No more for me, thanks-I'm full up. * The kids still weren't full, so I gave them an ice cream each. * You can't run on a full stomach.
complete
5 [usuallybeforenoun] complete; with nothing missing:
Full details are available on request. * I still don't think we've heard the full story. * a full English breakfast * A full refund will be given if the item is faulty. * Fill in your full name and address. * The address must be printed in full. * The country applied for full membership of the European Union. * It is too early to assess the full extent of the damage. * They sell a full range of hair and beauty products.
as much as possible
6 [usuallybeforenoun] to the highest level or greatest amount possible:
Many people don't use their computers to their full potential. * measures to achieve full employment * Students should take full advantage of the university's facilities. * I've always believed in living life to the full. * She came round the corner at full speed.
for emphasis
7 [onlybeforenoun] used to emphasize an amount or a quantity:
She is a full four inches shorter than her sister.
busy
8 busy; involving a lot of activities:
He'd had a very full life. * Her life was too full to find time for hobbies.
moon
9 appearing as a complete circle:
The moon was full, the sky clear.
seealsoFULLMOON
fat
10 (of a person or part of the body) large and round. 'Full' is sometimes used to avoid saying 'fat':
He kissed her full sensual lips. * They specialize in clothes for women with a fuller figure.
clothes
11 made with plenty of fabric; fitting loosely:
a full skirt
tone / voice / flavour
12 deep, strong and rich:
He draws a unique full sound from the instrument. * the full fruity flavour of the wine
IDIOMS
Most idioms containing full are at the entries for the nouns and verbs in the idioms, for example full of the joys of spring is at joy.
full of yourself (disapproving) very proud; thinking only of yourself
adverb ~ in / on sth directly:
She looked him full in the face.
