fullness

American  

[fool-nis] / ˈfʊl nɪs /

Or fulness

noun

1. the quality or state of being filled completely or to utmost capacity.

   The fullness of our fruit baskets speaks of a magnificent harvest.

2. the quality or state of being filled or rounded out, as in form or shape.

   garments designed for a fullness of figure.

3. the state of having eaten enough, especially more than enough.

   I doubt you can get this sense of fullness from a diet of just salad.

4. the quality or condition of having ample width or folds of fabric.

   The fullness of the girls’ skirts helps us to approximate the date of the photo.

5. Music. the quality of possessing a richness or intensity of sound: a subtle lack of fullness in the opening passage.

   the fullness of the strings;

   a subtle lack of fullness in the opening passage.

6. (especially in wine, beer, or coffee) richness of body and flavor.

   Our merlot is prized for its color and fullness.

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Etymology

Origin of fullness

First recorded before 1000; Middle English fulnesse, Old English fullnis, fillnis; see full ¹ ( def. ), -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

It mimics a hormone secreted alongside insulin that signals fullness and slows gastric emptying.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

Sparkling water is often seen as a helpful tool because it can create a feeling of fullness, which may reduce hunger.

From Science Daily • Apr. 17, 2026

To reduce her own weight, Muriuki first underwent a gastric balloon procedure, in which a silicone balloon is put in the stomach, to limit its capacity and create a feeling of fullness.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

What’s most entrancing, however, is Poots, who brings to bear the fullness of her being without ever tipping over into “showcase” acting.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

“In the fullness of time—maybe a hundred years—this should be your grave.”

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• completeness
• saturation
• totality
• wholeness