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 WebJames Raia, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
But Take Note The bendy frame allows for a proper and comfy fit without digging into the skin.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
The daily exercise helps to keep the elephants active and fit.
—Tanvi Chheda, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024
The doctor also said Masten was not fit for incarceration in the general public, but she was still kept there, according to the lawsuit.
—James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2024
The reality is that those themes are broad, and large things fit under those umbrellas.
—Hazlitt, 10 Apr. 2024
McCarron was fit in his prime and has since become stronger and more muscled on the over-50 tour.
—Paul Sullivan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Studs are like codex for the alternative — unmistakable messaging that turns any chill fit into a statement.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
These pants have a relaxed fit, front and back pockets, and a drawstring to cinch the waist.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Caitlin Kelly, WIRED, 15 Apr. 2024
Designed to hold screws, nails, drill bits, and the like while working on projects, it’s made from heavy-duty cotton canvas and is adjustable to fit any size wrist.
—Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024
The jacket comes in four colors and eight sizes to fit dogs from 16 to 34 inches long.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Looking strictly at talent, Sweat would fit KC’s roster.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2024
That gives Trump's team even more impetus than a typical defendant to look for a juror who isn't aiming to fit in and might go against the grain.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
The shades fit comfortably and don’t allow too much sunlight to leak through the edges.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
But some analysts say Jack Smith, the special counsel prosecuting Trump, could tailor his case against the former president to fit within the contours of a ruling in favor of Fischer.
—Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
Loose Clothing Clothes that fit snugly are likely to exacerbate your sunburn pain, so make sure to wear loose clothing.
—Cathy Wong, Verywell Health, 12 Apr. 2024
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
Moreover, the rounded nose pad shape helps reduce pressure for a comfier fit.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
With cozy reading nooks, tons of graphic novels, and beautiful new releases, our staff can find the perfect fit for any age.
—USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Creating a clamp with the perfect look, angle, and a secure fit is another matter, but those with solid 3D printing skills can fill that gap as well.
—Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024
Longer top handles allow this backpack to be carried like a classic shopper tote bag, and adjustable padded backpack straps provide a more supportive fit.
—L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
Things that haven’t changed are Lexus’ lovely leather, great seats, unflappable fit and finish and somewhat polarizing style.
—Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
A little bit different role, more in the core of defense as far as run fits and boundary safety, a lot more just physicality to the game.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Apr. 2024
Adjective
Larger items will likely only fit if the second-row seats are removed, an inconvenient task.
—James Raia, The Mercury News, 14 Apr. 2024
But Take Note The bendy frame allows for a proper and comfy fit without digging into the skin.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
The daily exercise helps to keep the elephants active and fit.
—Tanvi Chheda, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2024
The doctor also said Masten was not fit for incarceration in the general public, but she was still kept there, according to the lawsuit.
—James Hartley, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 12 Apr. 2024
The reality is that those themes are broad, and large things fit under those umbrellas.
—Hazlitt, 10 Apr. 2024
McCarron was fit in his prime and has since become stronger and more muscled on the over-50 tour.
—Paul Sullivan, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2024
Studs are like codex for the alternative — unmistakable messaging that turns any chill fit into a statement.
—Julissa James, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2024
These pants have a relaxed fit, front and back pockets, and a drawstring to cinch the waist.
—Michelle Rostamian, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024
Verb
Companies are starting to make the turbine fit the technician.
—Caitlin Kelly, WIRED, 15 Apr. 2024
Designed to hold screws, nails, drill bits, and the like while working on projects, it’s made from heavy-duty cotton canvas and is adjustable to fit any size wrist.
—Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2024
The jacket comes in four colors and eight sizes to fit dogs from 16 to 34 inches long.
—Cai Cramer, Peoplemag, 15 Apr. 2024
Looking strictly at talent, Sweat would fit KC’s roster.
—Jesse Newell, Kansas City Star, 14 Apr. 2024
That gives Trump's team even more impetus than a typical defendant to look for a juror who isn't aiming to fit in and might go against the grain.
—Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 14 Apr. 2024
The shades fit comfortably and don’t allow too much sunlight to leak through the edges.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
But some analysts say Jack Smith, the special counsel prosecuting Trump, could tailor his case against the former president to fit within the contours of a ruling in favor of Fischer.
—Ann E. Marimow, Washington Post, 13 Apr. 2024
Loose Clothing Clothes that fit snugly are likely to exacerbate your sunburn pain, so make sure to wear loose clothing.
—Cathy Wong, Verywell Health, 12 Apr. 2024
Noun
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
Moreover, the rounded nose pad shape helps reduce pressure for a comfier fit.
—Staff Author, Parents, 13 Apr. 2024
With cozy reading nooks, tons of graphic novels, and beautiful new releases, our staff can find the perfect fit for any age.
—USA TODAY, 13 Apr. 2024
Creating a clamp with the perfect look, angle, and a secure fit is another matter, but those with solid 3D printing skills can fill that gap as well.
—Quentyn Kennemer, The Verge, 11 Apr. 2024
Longer top handles allow this backpack to be carried like a classic shopper tote bag, and adjustable padded backpack straps provide a more supportive fit.
—L.a. Hubilla, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024
Things that haven’t changed are Lexus’ lovely leather, great seats, unflappable fit and finish and somewhat polarizing style.
—Kyle Hyatt, Robb Report, 10 Apr. 2024
A little bit different role, more in the core of defense as far as run fits and boundary safety, a lot more just physicality to the game.
—Clarence E. Hill Jr., Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 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 19 Apr. 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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