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

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

The addition of Morozov helps the Sabres backfill their forward depth after a few prospects have made the jump to the NHL. — Corey Pronman, New York Times, 26 June 2026

Supporters say the wealth tax is needed to backfill federal healthcare cuts and would steer most revenue to medical programs, with additional funding for food assistance and education in high-cost California. — Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 18 June 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