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

Some have also announced plans to backfill the federal funding for these patients, but that could be difficult, says Keith at Georgetown. — Selena Simmons-Duffin, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026

Lamont, a fiscal moderate hoping to win a third term this fall, has cautioned that Connecticut cannot backfill all federal cuts. — Keith M. Phaneuf, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2026

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

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