Blank
/blæŋk/
Definitions
3 meaningsNot filled or written on; empty.
/blæŋk/
Empty or without markings
The questionnaire had several blank spaces.
💡 Simply: Empty; nothing is written or drawn on it.
More Examples
The artist stared at the blank canvas.
How It's Used
"A blank page awaits your story."
"Please fill in the blank spaces on the form."
An empty space or area; something left unfilled.
/blæŋk/
An empty space
There's a blank in my memory.
💡 Simply: An empty spot.
More Examples
Fill in the blanks.
How It's Used
"Leave a blank if you don't know the answer."
"My mind went blank during the exam."
To make something blank or empty; to erase or wipe clean.
/blæŋk/
To make something blank
The computer blanked the screen.
💡 Simply: To make something empty or clear.
More Examples
They blanked the sensitive information from the report.
How It's Used
"The system blanked the hard drive."
Idioms & expressions
draw a blank
To be unable to remember something.
"I drew a blank when asked about his name."
From Middle English *blank*, from Old French *blanc* "white", from Proto-Germanic *blank- "pale, white". The sense evolved from "white, unfilled space" to its current meanings.
Historically, 'blank' was more commonly associated with its literal meaning of 'white' and was used to describe things like white paper or a blank canvas.
Memory tip
Think of a blank canvas ready for painting.