1 not used in progressive tenses : to be the right size and shape for (someone or something) [+ obj] ▪ The suit fits him perfectly. ▪ I hope this key fits the lock. ▪ The two pieces fit each other perfectly. [no obj] ▪ These shoes fit perfectly. ▪ This calculator will fit nicely/neatly in your shirt pocket. ▪ pants that fit tightly/loosely = tight-fitting/loose-fitting pants ▪ The two pieces fit together perfectly. ◊Something that fits (you) like a glove fits (you) very well.
▪ That suit fits him like a glove. ◊The phrase one size fits all describes a hat, piece of clothing, etc., that is made in a size that is supposed to fit everyone. This phrase is commonly used figuratively.
▪ The school recognizes that a one size fits all approach won't work for these children. [=these children need to be taught in a way that considers the needs and abilities of each child] 2 not used in progressive tenses a [no obj] : to go into or through a particular space
▪ All these groceries won't fit in the trunk of my car. = These groceries won't all fit in the trunk of my car. ▪ How many people can fit in a phone booth? ▪ The box was too large to fit through the door.
b [+ obj] : to cause (something) to go into or through a particular space
▪ I can't fit all these groceries into the trunk of my car. ▪ We weren't able to fit the box through the door. 3 past tense and past participle fitted [+ obj] a : to measure (someone) in order to choose clothes that are the right size and shape for that person — usually used as (be) fitted ▪ I'm being fitted [=measured] for a new suit tomorrow.
b : to change the shape or form of (a piece of clothing) for a particular person
▪ fitting the jacket to the customer 4 [+ obj] : to find time to meet with (someone) or do (something) — usually + in or into ▪ I'll try to fit you into my schedule. ▪ The doctor can fit you in this afternoon. [=the doctor can meet with you this afternoon] ▪ She's got a lot of meetings to fit in this morning. 5 [no obj] : to belong in a particular situation, place, or group
▪ It's a good school, but I feel like I just don't fit here. — usually + in ▪ I was looking for a group that I could fit in with. ▪ No matter how hard she tried, she just didn't fit in. ▪ He fit right in at school. ▪ That chair fits in well with the rest of the office. 6 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] a : to be suitable or appropriate for (someone or something)
▪ The nickname fits [=suits] him very well. ▪ The punishment should fit the crime.
b : to make (someone or something) suitable or appropriate for or to something
▪ Her previous experience fitted [=qualified] her for the job. ▪ Let us fit the punishment to the crime. 7 not used in progressive tenses [+ obj] : to be in agreement with (something or someone)
▪ Their story doesn't fit the facts. ▪ He fits [=matches] the description perfectly. = The description fits him perfectly. 8 past tense and past participle fitted [+ obj] : to supply equipment for (something)
▪ a lab fitted with the latest equipment ▪ The camera can be fitted with many different lenses. — often + out or up ▪ fit out an expedition ▪ an old ocean liner fitted up as a hospital ship