Refill
/riːˈfɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo fill something again that has become empty or partially empty.
/riːˈfɪl/
To fill something again.
Could you refill my water glass, please?
💡 Simply: Imagine your juice box is empty. When you get more juice and pour it back in, you refill it! It's like giving something a second helping of what it needs.
👶 For kids: To fill something up again, like filling your water bottle after you drink it.
More Examples
The clerk refilled the printer with paper.
I need to refill my prescription at the pharmacy.
How It's Used
"She refilled her coffee cup."
"The store refilled the shelves with products."
The act of refilling something, or a thing used to refill something else.
/ˈriːfɪl/
An act of filling something again; something used to refill.
I need to buy a refill for my coffee maker.
💡 Simply: When you buy a new bottle of soap to pour into your dispenser, that's a refill! Or, the act of putting the soap in is also a refill.
👶 For kids: The stuff you use to fill something up again, like a new box of crayons to put in your crayon box.
More Examples
The price includes one free refill.
Can I get a refill on my soda, please?
How It's Used
"The refill cost me a dollar."
"I bought a refill for my printer cartridge."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Refill your prescription
To get a new supply of medicine from a pharmacy, based on a doctor's prescription.
"Don't forget to refill your prescription before you run out of medication."
Free Refills
Used in context of restaurants or events where beverages can be filled again for no extra cost.
"The restaurant has free refills on soft drinks."
From re- (again) + fill (to make full). The earliest usage is in the context of refilling containers.
The word 'refill' has been used since the 17th century, initially in relation to filling containers again.
Memory tip
Think of 're' meaning 'again', like rewinding a movie. Refill means to fill again!
Word Origin
"re- (again) + fill (to make full)"