refuel

verb

re·​fu·​el (ˌ)rē-ˈfyü(-ə)l How to pronounce refuel (audio)
refueled; refueling; refuels

transitive verb

: to provide with additional fuel

intransitive verb

: to take on additional fuel

Examples of refuel in a Sentence

The crew refueled the airplane. The airplane landed to refuel.
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.
Rafale fighter jets loaded with mock nuclear missiles took off from bases in Brittany, supported by Mirage fighters, refuelling and signals planes, in order to stage an attack on the southern part of France, which in this simulation was defended by a host of other air forces (i.e. Poland). Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 Jolie’s dream was for the space to once again be a cultural locus, a clubhouse full of inspired and international creatives, and also a magnet for a curious public — to come and browse, take a class, refuel with a slice of orange almond cake at the global-cuisine cafe, Eat Offbeat. Melena Ryzik, New York Times, 24 Mar. 2025 Later in the night, guests refueled with cheeseburger sliders, French fries and strawberry milkshakes. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025 After docking with and refueling a Tetra-5 spacecraft, APS-R will back off, scan for leaks, then head to an Orbit Fab fuel depot to collect more propellant. Andrew Jones, Space.com, 11 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for refuel

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of refuel was in 1811

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Refuel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/refuel. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

refuel

verb
re·​fu·​el (ˈ)rē-ˈfyü-əl How to pronounce refuel (audio)
: to provide with or take on more fuel

More from Merriam-Webster on refuel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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