containing nothing inside; not filled
The glass was completely empty, so he poured more water into it.
After the concert, the empty stadium echoed with silence.
✦ From Old French “emptie”, from Proto-Germanic *impan meaning to take.
to remove all the contents from something or become without contents
Could you empty the trash can before guests arrive?
He emptied his pockets and placed the coins on the table.
✦ Verb use from earlier adjective sense, first recorded in Middle English.
a bottle, can, or other container that has no contents left
The bartender collected each empty and stacked them behind the counter.
Please rinse every empty before putting it in the recycling bin.
✦ Noun sense arose in mid-20th century English, clipping of “empty bottle/can.”
