backfills
|back-fill|
/ˈbækfɪl/
(backfill)
refill a gap
Etymology
'backfill' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'back' + 'fill', formed to describe filling in behind or behind something.
'back' comes from Old English 'bæc' meaning 'the rear, back' and 'fill' from Old English 'fyllan' meaning 'to fill'; these elements combined in technical and construction contexts (late 19th–early 20th century) to form 'backfill' and then 'backfill' became commonly used as both noun and verb.
Initially it described the literal action or material used to fill behind excavations ('to fill in behind'); over time it expanded to include replacing personnel and retroactive data population.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
materials (soil, gravel, etc.) used to fill an excavation or to refill an area after construction.
The backfills were compacted in layers to stabilize the foundation.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Noun 2
people hired or assigned to replace others (plural of 'backfill' meaning replacement personnel).
Several backfills were scheduled to cover the weekend shifts.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 1
to fill a hole, trench, or excavation with material (third person singular present).
After the crew checks the pipes, she backfills the trench.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Verb 2
to fill a vacant position by hiring or assigning someone (third person singular present).
The company backfills vacancies quickly to keep projects on schedule.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/26 02:44