1. past tense of backfill: to refill an excavated area with earth or other material
Usage: construction; engineering
2. past tense of backfill: to fill a vacant position, especially temporarily or after someone has left
Usage: business; human resources

Examples

• The construction crew backfilled the foundation trenches with gravel.
• After laying the pipes, workers backfilled the excavation site.
• The company quickly backfilled the manager position when she resigned.
• HR backfilled several roles during the busy season.
• The hole was backfilled with the original soil that had been removed.
• They backfilled the temporary positions with permanent employees.
• The landscaper backfilled around the new tree with rich topsoil.