# blank

/ˈbɫæŋk/ (US) · /blˈæŋk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/blank
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. empty of writing

adjective · CEFR A2

having no writing, images, or marks on it.

For teachers: devoid of writing, print, or distinctive marks; referring to a surface ready to be filled.

- Please take out a blank sheet of paper for the spelling test.
- The architect stared at the blank canvas for hours before drawing the first lines of the museum's floor plan.

### 2. without expression

adjective · CEFR B2

showing no feeling or understanding on your face.

For teachers: showing a lack of expression, interest, or comprehension; often used of a person's face or gaze.

- He just gave me a blank look when I asked him for help.
- The witness maintained a blank expression throughout the cross-examination, refusing to betray any sign of nervousness or guilt.

### 3. an empty space

noun · CEFR B1

an empty space on a form or document where you should write something.

For teachers: a space left empty in a document or form, intended to be filled with specific information.

- Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb.
- The contract contained several critical blanks that had not been initialled by either party, rendering the agreement legally questionable.

### 4. non-lethal ammunition

noun · CEFR B2 · Technical

a type of bullet that makes a loud noise but does not fire a piece of metal.

For teachers: a cartridge containing gunpowder but no projectile, used in training or theatrical performances to simulate gunfire.

- The soldiers were only using blanks during the training exercise in the woods.
- The film crew ensured that all weapons were loaded with blanks to prevent any accidental injuries during the high-intensity action sequence.

### 5. a memory lapse

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

a moment when you suddenly cannot remember something.

For teachers: a sudden, temporary failure to recall information or a specific memory.

- My mind went a complete blank when the teacher asked me the question.
- Despite weeks of preparation, he drew a total blank when the interviewer asked him to describe his greatest professional failure.

### 6. to forget suddenly

verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to suddenly be unable to remember something you usually know.

For teachers: to experience a sudden, temporary inability to retrieve information from memory; often used with 'on'.

- I'm sorry, I'm totally blanking on your name right now.
- The presenter started the speech confidently but began blanking on the specific statistics halfway through the second slide.

Usage: Often used in the progressive form 'blanking on' followed by a noun phrase.

### 7. to ignore someone

verb · CEFR C1 · British English · Slang · Informal

to pretend you do not see or hear someone you know.

For teachers: to deliberately ignore someone, typically by failing to acknowledge their presence or greeting.

- I saw her at the mall, but she completely blanked me.
- After their argument at the party, he spent the rest of the week blanking her in the office corridors.

### 8. to prevent from scoring

verb · CEFR C1 · American English · Informal

to stop the other team from scoring any points in a game.

For teachers: to prevent an opponent from scoring any points or goals during a match.

- The home team blanked the visitors 4-0 in a dominant performance.
- The underdog team managed to blank the reigning champions for three quarters before finally conceding a goal in the final minutes.

## Examples

- Please write your name in the blank at the top of the page.
- I knew the answer a minute ago, but my mind went completely blank when the teacher asked me.
- The witness stared at the blank for several seconds before realizing the form required a signature rather than a printed name to be legally binding.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.