fill in the blank

== English == === Alternative forms === fill in the blanks === Etymology === As a noun, a clipping of fill-in-the-blank question, problem, &c. === Noun === fill in the blank (plural fill in the blanks) A language exercise in which one or more words are replaced with a blank line and the reader is tasked with supplying a valid replacement. (idiomatic, figuratively) A placeholder allowing for any of a variety of possible answers or a single elicited answer. ==== Synonyms ==== (language exercise): gap fill (UK) ==== Hyponyms ==== (language exercise): cloze ==== Translations ==== === Verb === fill in the blank (third-person singular simple present fills in the blank, present participle filling in the blank, simple past and past participle filled in the blank) To complete a single fill in the blank question. (idiomatic, figuratively) To complete an interruption, ambiguity, or vagueness in understanding, perception, or context. ==== Synonyms ==== gapfill (UK)