fig

[ fig ]

/ fɪg /

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noun

any tree or shrub belonging to the genus Ficus, of the mulberry family, especially a small tree, F. carica, native to southwestern Asia, bearing a turbinate or pear-shaped fruit that is eaten fresh, preserved, or dried.

the fruit of such a tree or shrub, or of any related species.

any of various plants having a fruit somewhat resembling this.

a contemptibly trifling or worthless amount; the least bit: His help wasn't worth a fig.

a gesture of contempt.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of fig

1175–1225; Middle English fige<Old French <Old Provençal figa<Vulgar Latin *fīca, for Latin fīcus

Other definitions for fig (2 of 3)

fig²

[ fig ]

/ fɪg /

noun

dress or array: to appear at a party in full fig.

condition: to feel in fine fig.

Origin of fig

1685–95; earlier feague to liven, whip up <German fegen to furbish, sweep, clean; akin to fair¹

Other definitions for fig (3 of 3)

fig.

abbreviation

figurative.

figuratively.

figure; figures.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use fig in a sentence

Or is Rand co-opting them by merely using his newfound adviser as a fig leaf?
Is Rand Paul a Secret Hawk? Or Maybe Not a Total Dove?|James Kirchick|May 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
To say that a consignment is “in compliance” with packing regulations is a mere fig leaf.
Passenger Flights Must Stop Carrying Lithium-Ion Batteries as Cargo|Clive Irving|May 5, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Finally in 2003, the absurdity of the explosive numbers forced MLB to institute a fig leaf of testing.
Are Athletes Using Your Tax Dollars to Juice?|Stuart Stevens|May 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This fig leaf of legality must be stripped away, otherwise violence will persist.
Satellites Correctly Predict Military Campaign Against Civilians in Sudan|Akshaya Kumar|December 9, 2013|DAILY BEAST

Powers never found the house he was looking for, because he never cared a fig for how he might pay for it.
A Plot Against Living: J.F. Powers’s ‘Suitable Accommodations’|D. G. Myers|August 20, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Frequently they are found in alveolar arrangement, retaining the original outline of the alveoli of the lung (Fig. 4, b).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Each is surrounded by a gelatinous capsule, which is its distinctive feature (Fig. 9).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
The specific gravity is most conveniently estimated by means of the urinometer—Squibb's is preferable (Fig. 14).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Crystals of urea nitrate or oxalate (Fig. 19) will soon appear and can be recognized with the microscope.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Hydrogen sulphid is easily prepared in the simple apparatus shown in Fig. 30.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd

British Dictionary definitions for fig (1 of 3)

fig¹

/ (fɪɡ) /

noun

any moraceous tree or shrub of the tropical and subtropical genus Ficus, in which the flowers are borne inside a pear-shaped receptacle

the fruit of any of these trees, esp of F. carica, which develops from the receptacle and has sweet flesh containing numerous seedlike structures

any of various plants or trees having a fruit similar to this

Hottentot fig or sour fig a succulent plant, Mesembryanthemum edule, of southern Africa, having a capsular fruit containing edible pulp: family Aizoaceae

(used with a negative) something of negligible value; jotI don't care a fig for your opinion

Also: feg dialect a piece or segment from an orange

Also called: fico an insulting gesture made with the thumb between the first two fingers or under the upper teeth

Word Origin for fig

C13: from Old French figue, from Old Provençal figa, from Latin fīcus fig tree

British Dictionary definitions for fig (2 of 3)

fig²

/ (fɪɡ) slang /

verb figs, figging or figged (tr)

(foll by out or up) to dress (up) or rig (out)

to administer stimulating drugs to (a horse)

noun

dress, appearance, or array (esp in the phrase in full fig)

physical condition or formin bad fig

Word Origin for fig

C17 feague, of uncertain origin

British Dictionary definitions for fig (3 of 3)

fig.

abbreviation for

figurative(ly)

figure

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with fig

fig

see under not give a damn.

fig

Origin of fig

Other definitions for fig (2 of 3)

Origin of fig

Other definitions for fig (3 of 3)

Words related to fig

How to use fig in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for fig (1 of 3)

Word Origin for fig

British Dictionary definitions for fig (2 of 3)

Word Origin for fig

British Dictionary definitions for fig (3 of 3)

Other Idioms and Phrases with fig