Backfill means: To refill a hole with the material dug out of it.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
backfill
To refill a hole with the material dug out of it.
Definitions
#1·Apr 27, 2026
To refill a hole with the material dug out of it.
We backfilled the cistern with pea gravel to discourage its use as a refuse container.
For parents
Backfill means: To refill a hole with the material dug out of it.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
backfill means: To refill a hole with the material dug out of it.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
Heard in the wild
“Let's goooo!! Also was fantastic to see Natural Selection back in print. Getting to backfill the 3050s-60s with DTF "Legends" makes me super happy. Malicious Intent soon?”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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#2·Apr 27, 2026
(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.
The company backfilled Joe's position after he was terminated.
Cluster: general
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#3·Apr 27, 2026
(US) To provide reserve support.
We backfilled the cistern with pea gravel to discourage its use as a refuse container.
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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Other words near "backfill" (B)
back-door pilotback door sliderback endbackendishbacketbackfieldbackfriendback gammon playerback-gangingbackgateback graybackgrounder
Browse all slang words starting with B.