# emptying

/ˈɛmptiɪŋ/ (US) · /ˈɛmptɪɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/emptying
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

the act of removing everything from inside a container or space. You use this when you clear out a room, a bag, or a bin.

For teachers: the process or act of removing the contents of a container or space. Often used in gerundial form to describe domestic or industrial maintenance tasks.

## Examples

- The daily emptying of the trash is your job.
- The complete emptying of the warehouse took three days and required a team of ten movers.
- The sudden emptying of the stadium after the final whistle created a massive bottleneck at the main gates, requiring police intervention to manage the crowd flow.

## Usage notes

- Functions as a verbal noun; can be modified by adjectives or followed by 'of' phrases.

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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.