Backfill vs. Fill — What's the Difference?

Material used to refill an excavated area.

To put something into (a container, for example) to capacity or to a desired level

To refill (an excavated area) with such material.

To supply or provide to the fullest extent

To fill (a job or position that has been vacated).

To build up the level of (low-lying land) with material such as earth or gravel.

To refill a hole with the material dug out of it.

To stop or plug up (an opening, for example).

(archaeology) To refill an excavation unit to restore the former ground surface and/or to preserve the unit and make it recognizable as having been excavated.

To repair a cavity of (a tooth).

(US) To provide reserve support.

To add a foreign substance to (cloth or wood, for example).

(US) To replenish or restock due to attrition or loss.

To flow or move into (a container or area), often to capacity

(gaming) To enter an online game that's already in progress, replacing a player who left early.

To pervade

The material that has been used to refill an excavation.

To satiate, as with food and drink

(US) Reserve support personnel.

To engage or occupy completely

(US) That which backfills; a replacement.

To satisfy or meet; fulfill

(literature) Material in a story set earlier in the past, providing history or context for the current action.

To supply what is specified by or required for

To put a person into (a job or position)

To discharge the duties of; occupy

To cover the surface of (an inexpensive metal) with a layer of precious metal, such as gold.

To cause (a sail) to swell.

To adjust (a yard) so that wind will cause a sail to swell.

To become full

An amount needed to make full, complete, or satisfied

Material for filling a container, cavity, or passage.

A built-up piece of land; an embankment.

The material, such as earth or gravel, used for this.

(transitive) To occupy fully, to take up all of.

(transitive) To add contents to (a container, cavity, or the like) so that it is full.

To enter (something), making it full.

(intransitive) To become full.

(intransitive) To become pervaded with something.

(transitive) To satisfy or obey (an order, request, or requirement).

(transitive) To install someone, or be installed, in (a position or office), eliminating a vacancy.

(transitive) To treat (a tooth) by adding a dental filling to it.

(transitive) To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.

To trim (a yard) so that the wind blows on the after side of the sails.

To have sexual intercourse with (a female).

(after a possessive) A sufficient or more than sufficient amount.

An amount that fills a container.

The filling of a container or area.

Inexpensive material used to occupy empty spaces, especially in construction.

(archaeology) Soil and/or human-created debris discovered within a cavity or cut in the layers and exposed by excavation; fill soil.

An embankment, as in railroad construction, to fill a hollow or ravine; also, the place which is to be filled.

(music) A short passage, riff, or rhythmic sound that helps to keep the listener's attention during a break between the phrases of a melody.

One of the thills or shafts of a carriage.

One of the thills or shafts of a carriage.

A full supply, as much as supplies want; as much as gives complete satisfaction.

That which fills; filling; filler; specif., an embankment, as in railroad construction, to fill a hollow or ravine; also, the place which is to be filled.

To make full; to supply with as much as can be held or contained; to put or pour into, till no more can be received; to occupy the whole capacity of.

To furnish an abudant supply to; to furnish with as mush as is desired or desirable; to occupy the whole of; to swarm in or overrun.

To fill or supply fully with food; to feed; to satisfy.

To possess and perform the duties of; to officiate in, as an incumbent; to occupy; to hold; as, a king fills a throne; the president fills the office of chief magistrate; the speaker of the House fills the chair.

To supply with an incumbent; as, to fill an office or a vacancy.

To press and dilate, as a sail; as, the wind filled the sails.

To make an embankment in, or raise the level of (a low place), with earth or gravel.

To become full; to have the whole capacity occupied; to have an abundant supply; to be satiated; as, corn fills well in a warm season; the sail fills with the wind.

To fill a cup or glass for drinking.

A quantity sufficient to satisfy;

Any material that fills a space or container;

Make full, also in a metaphorical sense;

Become full;

Occupy the whole of;

Assume, as of positions or roles;

Fill or meet a want or need

Appoint someone to (a position or a job)

Eat until one is sated;

Fill to satisfaction;

Plug with a substance;