fitter; fittest
1
a
: acceptable from a particular viewpoint (as of competence or morality) : proper
a movie fit for the whole family
b(1)
: adapted to an end or design : suitable by nature or by art
found him to be a fit officer and gentleman—
Time
Time
(2)
: adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving
2
: sound physically and mentally : healthy
keeps fit by playing tennis and handball
3
a
: put into a suitable state : made ready
get the house fit for company
getting the ship fit for sea
b
: being in such a state as to be or seem ready to do or suffer something
fair fit to cry I was—Bryan MacMahon
Bryan MacMahonlaughing fit to burst
fitly
adverb
fitted or fit; fitting; fits
1
a
: to conform correctly to the shape or size of
These jeans don't fit me anymore.
b(1)
: to insert or adjust until correctly in place
Fit the dough into the pan.
He had some trouble fitting all of the pieces back into place.
(2)
: to make or adjust to the right shape and size
Theresa uploaded a snapshot on Twitter showing some of the mannequins she uses to fit the costumes.—Gemma Strong
Gemma Strong
(3)
: to measure for determining the specifications of something to be worn by
The tailor fitted him for a new suit.
c
: to make a place or room for : accommodate
She fit all of the books into a single box.
2
a
: to be suitable for or to : harmonize with
"My first impression of Joy was that her name fit her perfectly. She radiated joy and calmness …"—Beth Coger
Beth Coger
b
archaic
: to be seemly or proper for
It fits us, then, to be as provident / As fear may teach us …—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare3
: to be in agreement or accord with
The theory fits all the facts.
4
a
: to put into a condition of readiness
His temperament fitted him to understand an age of courageous exploits …—Van Wyck Brooks
Van Wyck Brooks
b
: to cause to conform to or suit something
You must fit the words to the music.
5
6
mathematics
: to adjust (a smooth curve of a specified type) to a given set of points
1
: to conform to a particular shape or size
The dress fits perfectly.
also
: to be accommodated
Will we all fit into the car?
2
: to be in harmony or accord : belong
—often used with in
"He wanted the house to look natural, to fit in with the island landscape. …"—Olivia Harrison
Olivia HarrisonI arrived in the United States at age three and grew up wanting both to live up to the … expectations of my parents and to fit in with the customs of my new homeland.—Nely Galán
Nely Galán3
chiefly British
: to experience or be affected with a seizure and especially an epileptic seizure
The 48-year-old was shopping in Stourbridge's Ryemarket when she collapsed and began fitting.—Birmingham (U.K.) Evening Mail
Birmingham (U.K.) Evening Mail4
archaic
: to be seemly, proper, or suitable
Why dost thou laugh? It fits not with this hour.—William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare
fitter
noun
: the fact, condition, or manner of fitting or being fitted: such as
a
: the way clothing fits the wearer
b
: the degree of closeness between surfaces in an assembly of parts
c
1
: an emotional reaction (as in anger or frustration)
has a fit when I show up late
2
: a sudden burst or flurry (as of activity)
cleaned the whole house in a fit of efficiency
3
a
: a sudden violent attack of a disease (such as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or unconsciousness : paroxysm
b
: a sudden but transient attack of a physical disturbance
archaic
: a division of a poem or song
fit
6 of 6dialectal past tense and past participle of fight
Synonyms
Examples of fit in a Sentence
Adjective
Patients are encouraged to get fit.
Are you fit enough to walk there?
Verb
The suit fits him perfectly.
I hope this key fits the lock.
The two pieces fit each other perfectly.
This calculator will fit nicely in your shirt pocket.
The two pieces fit together perfectly.
How many people can fit in a phone booth?
The box was too large to fit through the door.
I can't fit all these groceries into the trunk of my car.
We weren't able to fit the box through the door.
fitting the jacket to the customer
Recent Examples on the WebGary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
To find the best bridal shower dresses, Jessie connected with bridal style experts Julia Sabatino, Francesca DiSpirito, and Sara Lucas to learn more about important factors to look for and consider, including style, fit, and versatility.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
The model is fit using a statistical method called Markov chain Monte Carlo — a mathematical approach to figuring out the likely values of a bunch of different parameters in one huge equation.
—G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024
How do these pop crossover moments fit into the album as a whole?
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024
Despite an annual budget of around $100 billion, the U.S. intelligence community does not have a crystal ball and cannot supply evidence fit for a courtroom.
—David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
What to Consider The cropped fit and sheer fabric may not offer enough coverage for everyone’s preferences.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2024
Frank's photo showed a trim man in the outdoors, with an angular face and salty hair, mature and fit.
—Jim Axelrod, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2024
How do the negative numbers -1, -2, -3 and more fit into all this?
—Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024
Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2024
While Arnault is an efficient planner who keeps things centrally organized—opening a Hollywood studio to serve all of LVMH fits his profile perfectly—Pinault can be more capricious and prefers to leave details up to brands and their managers.
—Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024
Still’s 2023 interception total fits the Chargers’ mold of wanting corners who can make plays on the ball.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024
After the double album was released Friday, fans wondered if the singer would fit any of the 31 songs into the three-plus hour set.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 26 Apr. 2024
Paramount for me is finding leggings that fit my curvy, five-foot frame without any bunching at the hem, and this full-length style hits exactly at my ankles.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Specifically tailored to fit you perfectly, these jeggings won't disappoint—and neither will the major discount.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024
Related Glen Powell Becomes a Master of Disguise in Latest 'Hit Man' Trailer
These seven episodes also fit into a particular 21st-century TV tradition: the half-hour confessional show where the star is also a creator, and where the material is often, but not always, autobiographical.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2024
Companies are starting to make the turbine fit the technician.
—Caitlin Kelly, WIRED, 15 Apr. 2024
Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
Another head-to-toe Loewe look in Rome called for a sequined white pleated mini dress with stilettos that were finished with real tennis balls, and her London ‘fit was a Wimbledon-esque Thom Browne tennis racket print gown with a polo neckline and pleated high-slit skirt.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2024
Adjustable buckles on each strap also add to the customizable fit, while the synthetic leather exterior is soft and gentle against the skin.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024
Leonard returned to the court for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night and seemed at times an awkward fit.
—Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 25 Apr. 2024
Wild card: Quarterback or DeJean The Seahawks are dark-horse picks to select a QB on the first two days of the draft, and the versatile Iowa defensive back would be a tremendous fit for Macdonald’s defense.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024
Williams pointed out that El Primero is an entirely different community on another side of town and might not be accessible or a good fit for former DCP Alum Rock students.
—Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2024
Others expressed concern that the fit will sexualize sportswomen, given the uniforms' lack of coverage.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
Either way, indications are leading toward the Hornets hiring a rising assistant, and by announcing two weeks ago that Clifford would be heading into a different role, it’s given Peterson the head start he’s needed to find the best fit.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Kupp, wearing a tank top, appears fit and larger through his upper body.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024
To find the best bridal shower dresses, Jessie connected with bridal style experts Julia Sabatino, Francesca DiSpirito, and Sara Lucas to learn more about important factors to look for and consider, including style, fit, and versatility.
—Jessie Quinn, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
The model is fit using a statistical method called Markov chain Monte Carlo — a mathematical approach to figuring out the likely values of a bunch of different parameters in one huge equation.
—G. Elliott Morris, ABC News, 25 Apr. 2024
How do these pop crossover moments fit into the album as a whole?
—Eric Renner Brown, Billboard, 24 Apr. 2024
Despite an annual budget of around $100 billion, the U.S. intelligence community does not have a crystal ball and cannot supply evidence fit for a courtroom.
—David V. Gioe, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024
What to Consider The cropped fit and sheer fabric may not offer enough coverage for everyone’s preferences.
—Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 22 Apr. 2024
Frank's photo showed a trim man in the outdoors, with an angular face and salty hair, mature and fit.
—Jim Axelrod, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2024
How do the negative numbers -1, -2, -3 and more fit into all this?
—Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2024
Verb
Hamas is regarded as an unreliable partner, a Sunni Muslim Brotherhood group that fits uneasily within the largely Shiite pro-Iranian alliance.
—Hussein Ibish, The Atlantic, 27 Apr. 2024
While Arnault is an efficient planner who keeps things centrally organized—opening a Hollywood studio to serve all of LVMH fits his profile perfectly—Pinault can be more capricious and prefers to leave details up to brands and their managers.
—Christina Binkley, Robb Report, 27 Apr. 2024
Still’s 2023 interception total fits the Chargers’ mold of wanting corners who can make plays on the ball.
—Jeff Miller, Los Angeles Times, 27 Apr. 2024
After the double album was released Friday, fans wondered if the singer would fit any of the 31 songs into the three-plus hour set.
—Bryan West, USA TODAY, 26 Apr. 2024
Paramount for me is finding leggings that fit my curvy, five-foot frame without any bunching at the hem, and this full-length style hits exactly at my ankles.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, Peoplemag, 26 Apr. 2024
Specifically tailored to fit you perfectly, these jeggings won't disappoint—and neither will the major discount.
—Wendy Vazquez, Southern Living, 26 Apr. 2024
Related Glen Powell Becomes a Master of Disguise in Latest 'Hit Man' Trailer
These seven episodes also fit into a particular 21st-century TV tradition: the half-hour confessional show where the star is also a creator, and where the material is often, but not always, autobiographical.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 25 Apr. 2024
Companies are starting to make the turbine fit the technician.
—Caitlin Kelly, WIRED, 15 Apr. 2024
Noun
But Adams, who has started all 80 of the games he’s played in the past seven seasons, might be a better fit if Weaver’s looking for a physical safety that would work closer to the line of scrimmage.
—Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 28 Apr. 2024
Another head-to-toe Loewe look in Rome called for a sequined white pleated mini dress with stilettos that were finished with real tennis balls, and her London ‘fit was a Wimbledon-esque Thom Browne tennis racket print gown with a polo neckline and pleated high-slit skirt.
—Danielle Directo-Meston, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Apr. 2024
Adjustable buckles on each strap also add to the customizable fit, while the synthetic leather exterior is soft and gentle against the skin.
—Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 25 Apr. 2024
Leonard returned to the court for Game 2 of their first-round playoff series against the Dallas Mavericks on Tuesday night and seemed at times an awkward fit.
—Janis Carr, Orange County Register, 25 Apr. 2024
Wild card: Quarterback or DeJean The Seahawks are dark-horse picks to select a QB on the first two days of the draft, and the versatile Iowa defensive back would be a tremendous fit for Macdonald’s defense.
—Eddie Brown, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Apr. 2024
Williams pointed out that El Primero is an entirely different community on another side of town and might not be accessible or a good fit for former DCP Alum Rock students.
—Molly Gibbs, The Mercury News, 24 Apr. 2024
Others expressed concern that the fit will sexualize sportswomen, given the uniforms' lack of coverage.
—Juliana Kim, NPR, 15 Apr. 2024
Either way, indications are leading toward the Hornets hiring a rising assistant, and by announcing two weeks ago that Clifford would be heading into a different role, it’s given Peterson the head start he’s needed to find the best fit.
—Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Apr. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fit.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near fit
Cite this Entry
“Fit.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fit. Accessed 2 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
fit
1 of 4 adjective
fitter; fittest
1
: suitable for a particular purpose
water fit for drinking
especially
: so adapted to the environment as to be capable of surviving
—often used in the phrase survival of the fittest
2
: acceptable from a particular point of view : proper
a movie fit for the whole family
3
: ready entry 1 sense 1, prepared
get the ship fit for sea
4
: qualified sense 1, competent
fit for the job
5
: sound physically and mentally : healthy
fitness
noun
fit
2 of 4 noun1
: a sudden violent attack of a disease or condition (as epilepsy) especially when marked by convulsions or loss of consciousness
2
: a sudden outburst (as of laughter or anger)
fit
3 of 4 verb
fitted or fit; fitting
1
: to be suitable for or to : befit
2
a
: to be of the right size and shape
the suit fits
b
: to insert or adjust until correctly in place
c
: to make a place or room for
fit another chair
3
: to be in agreement with
his story fits the facts
5
: to supply what is needed for : equip
fit out an expedition
6
: to be in harmony or agreement : belong
—often used with in
fit
4 of 4 noun1
: the way something fits
a tight fit
2
: a piece of clothing that fits
Etymology
Adjective
Middle English fit "suitable to a particular purpose"
Noun
Old English fitt "strife"
Medical Definition
fit
2 of 3 adjective
fitter; fittest
1
: adapted to the environment so as to be capable of surviving
2
: sound physically and mentally : healthy
fitness
noun
fit
3 of 3 noun
: the fact, condition, or manner of being fitted or adapted
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