backfill

verb

back·​fill ˈbak-ˌfil 

backfilled; backfilling; backfills

transitive + intransitive

: to refill (something, such as an excavation) usually with excavated material

backfill a trench

backfill noun

Examples of backfill in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

California voters are sharply split over Proposition 40, a one-time 5% tax on billionaires’ assets to backfill federal healthcare cuts. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2026

In Ryan, the Tigers get a major league-ready arm who could backfill Skubal’s rotation spot once the 27-year-old returns from a hamstring injury. — Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 2 Aug. 2026

Marketing Week's 2025 survey cited that almost a quarter of brands are cutting senior marketing roles and choosing not to backfill them. — Michelle O'Connor, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026

Next, backfill the soil around the roots, avoiding covering the crown. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 18 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1874, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for backfill

• anthill
• bluegill
• crossbill
• distil
• distill
• downhill
• dunghill
• foothill
• fulfil
• fulfill
• goodwill
• gristmill