fill-in

American  

[fil-in] / ˈfɪlˌɪn /

noun

1. a person or thing that fills in, as a substitute, replacement, or insertion.

   The company used a fill-in for workers on vacation.

2. a brief, informative summary; a rundown.

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fill in British  

verb

1. (tr) to complete (a form, drawing, etc)

2. (intr) to act as a substitute

   a girl is filling in while the typist is away

3. (tr) to put material into (a hole or cavity), esp so as to make it level with a surface

4. informal (tr) to inform with facts or news

5. slang (tr) to attack and injure severely

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noun

1. a substitute

2. informal a briefing to complete one's understanding

fill in Idioms  

1. Complete something, especially by supplying more information or detail. For example, Be sure to fill in your salary history . It is also put as fill in the blanks , as in We'll rely on Mary to fill in the blanks . Yet another related usage is fill someone in , as in I couldn't attend, so will you fill me in? The first term dates from the mid-1800s; the others from the first half of the 1900s. Also see fill out .

2. Also, fill in for . Take someone's place, substitute for. For example, The understudy had to fill in at the last minute , or I can't come but my wife will fill in for me . Also see fill someone's shoes .

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Etymology

Origin of fill-in

First recorded in 1915–20; noun use of verb phrase fill in

Example Sentences

“This has shifted new unit expansion more towards ‘fill-in’ activity within the U.S., essentially siphoning sales from high-volume locations and resulting in a lesser amount of new member sign-ups for new clubs,” he continued.

From MarketWatch

He will also serve as a lead correspondent for “48 Hours,” contribute to “60 Minutes,” and act as a fill-in anchor for CBS’s flagship broadcasts, she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

He has been brought to Washington several times in recent years for fill-in work at the anchor desk and a permanent role there is likely in his future.

From Los Angeles Times

Cummins may return for the second Test, and for now Scott Boland is a capable fill-in with an outstanding record in Australia.

From BBC

She also was a frequent fill-in for Gayle King on the weekday morning program.

From Los Angeles Times