backfilling
|back-fill-ing|
/ˈbækfɪlɪŋ/
(backfill)
refill a gap
Etymology
'backfill' originates from English, specifically a compound of the words 'back' and 'fill', where 'back' (from Old English 'bæc') meant 'rear' and 'fill' (from Old English 'fyllan') meant 'to fill'.
'backfill' developed as a modern English compound from the separate Old English elements 'bæc' and 'fyllan'; 'fyllan' passed into Middle English as forms like 'fillen' and then became 'fill', and the two elements combined in modern usage to form 'backfill'.
Initially it literally meant 'to fill at the back' or 'to fill behind', but over time it broadened to mean refilling excavations, filling vacancies (jobs), and filling missing data points.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the material used to fill a hole or trench (earth, gravel, etc.).
The backfilling consisted of compacted gravel.
Synonyms
Noun 2
the act or process of backfilling; the work of filling a hole, vacancy, or data gap.
Backfilling was completed by the end of the day.
Synonyms
Verb 1
to fill (an excavation, trench, or hole) again with earth or other material, especially after construction or digging.
They are backfilling the trench after laying the pipes.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to fill a job position vacated by someone else; to provide a replacement for a role or post.
The HR team is backfilling the manager's role while he is on leave.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 02:30