refill

verb

re·​fill (ˌ)rē-ˈfil How to pronounce refill (audio)
refilled; refilling; refills
Synonyms of refillnext

transitive verb

: to fill again : replenish

intransitive verb

: to become filled again
refillable adjective

Examples of refill in a Sentence

He refilled his glass from the nearby pitcher. The reservoir will refill once it begins raining.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Rinse well—at least three times—before refilling with your homemade sugar water solution. Rita Pelczar, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 May 2026 The war with Iran has resulted in the US, Israel and many US allies in the Gulf burning through significant quantities of their own expensive anti-air missile batteries – often against comparative inexpensive Iranian drones – and those stockpiles will also need to be refilled. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 29 May 2026 Every couple of years, the water turns murky, regardless, and the whole tank has to be drained and refilled, explains Polojärvi. Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 28 May 2026 Let fun refill your cup, then re-engage. Tarot.com, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for refill

Word History

First Known Use

1615, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of refill was in 1615

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refill. Accessed 9 Jun. 2026.

Kids Definition

refill

1 of 2 verb
re·​fill (ˈ)rē-ˈfil How to pronounce refill (audio)
: to fill or become filled again
refillable adjective

refill

2 of 2 noun
re·​fill ˈrē-ˌfil How to pronounce refill (audio)
: a new or fresh supply of something
a refill for a ball-point pen

Medical Definition

refill

1 of 2 transitive verb
re·​fill (ˈ)rē-ˈfil How to pronounce refill (audio)
: to fill (a prescription) a second or subsequent time

refill

2 of 2 noun
re·​fill ˈrē-ˌfil How to pronounce refill (audio)
1
: a replacement in a cavity of removed liquid or other material or a substitution (as of gas) for such material
pneumothorax refill
2
: a prescription compounded and dispensed for a second or subsequent time without an order from the physician

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