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

For example, the United States bought 155-millimeter artillery shells from South Korea and PAC-3 interceptors from Japan to backfill American munitions for Ukraine. — Eric Ciaramella, Foreign Affairs, 14 Oct. 2026

To backfill some of the loss in research funding, proponents say Proposition 38 will create a stable source of funding for scientists and medical experts. — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Partnership for Public Service, a nonprofit assisting in government worker recruitment, noted in a report released last month many agencies have or are looking to backfill more than 20,000 roles left vacant from the program. — Sasha Rogelberg, Fortune, 23 Sep. 2026

The governor has not ruled out providing ongoing assistance in some cases but has cautioned legislators that state government cannot afford to backfill all federal cuts. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 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