fill-up
B2Informal, conversational. More common in spoken language than formal writing.
Definition
Meaning
The action or process of making something full, especially refueling a vehicle with petrol/gasoline.
Can refer to replenishing any depletable resource or container (e.g., a water tank, a snack bowl). In informal contexts, can mean a substantial meal that makes you feel full.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a noun ("a fill-up"). As a verb, the phrasal verb 'fill up' is used. It implies a process leading to a state of fullness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In BrE, 'fill-up' as a noun is common for refueling vehicles. In AmE, it's also used but 'fill-up' or 'fill up' can also refer to a large meal more readily.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties. Associated with routine maintenance (car) or informal dining.
Frequency
More frequent in BrE for refueling contexts. In AmE, the verb phrase 'fill up' (the tank) is as common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] needs a fill-up.[Subject] got a fill-up at [Location].It's time for a fill-up.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stop for a fill-up.”
- “I'm running on fumes; I need a fill-up (also used figuratively for energy/food).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in travel/transport logistics.
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Very common, especially related to driving and informal meals.
Technical
Used in automotive contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I need to fill up the car before the long drive.
- Could you fill up the water jug, please?
American English
- Let's fill up at the next gas station.
- That hearty stew really filled me up.
adjective
British English
- The fill-up price is shown on the pump.
American English
- We made a fill-up stop just outside Tucson.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The car needs a fill-up.
- We stopped for a fill-up.
- After the fill-up, we continued our journey.
- The petrol station gives points for every fill-up.
- I'm going for a quick fill-up; the tank's almost empty.
- That meal was a real fill-up – I won't need to eat for hours.
- Considering the current fuel prices, each fill-up is a significant expense.
- The roadside assistance package includes an emergency fill-up if you run out of petrol.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the gas gauge needle going UP to F(ull) when you FILL-UP the tank.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCES ARE FLUIDS (that can be filled into containers).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'наполнение вверх'. For refueling, use 'заправка' (zapravka). For a meal, 'плотно поесть' (plotno poyest').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fill-up' as a verb in past tense incorrectly (e.g., 'I fill-uped' instead of 'I filled up'). Confusing it with 'fill out' (a form).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'fill-up' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun (e.g., 'get a fill-up'). The action is described by the phrasal verb 'fill up' (e.g., 'fill up the tank').
'Fill up' means to make something full (with liquid, fuel, food). 'Fill out' means to complete a form or document by writing information in the blank spaces.
It's generally too informal. In formal contexts, use 'refuel', 'replenish', or 'refueling stop' instead.
No, it can be used for any container (e.g., a water tank, a propane cylinder) or informally for a meal that fills you up.