infill

or in-fill

[ in-fil ]

verb (used with object)

1. to fill in:

   The old stream beds have been infilled with sediment.

noun

1. the planned conversion of empty lots, underused or rundown buildings, and other available space in densely built-up urban and suburban areas for use as sites for commercial buildings and housing, frequently as an alternative to overdevelopment of rural areas.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or involving the use of infill in urban planning:

   infill condominium projects; infill office buildings and retail space.

infill

/ ˈɪnfɪl; ˈɪnfɪlɪŋ /

noun

1. the act of filling or closing gaps, etc, in something, such as a row of buildings
2. material used to fill a cavity, gap, hole, etc
3. an acrylic gel application that fills in the gap between a false nail and the root of the real nail, which is created as the real nail grows

Word History and Origins

Origin of infill¹

First recorded in 1875–80; in- ¹ + fill

Example Sentences

Such infill in the bay cut off the marsh from Rose Creek, which naturally feeds sediment and freshwater to wetland habitat.

From Voice of San Diego

This can also mean loosening zoning restrictions to allow infill construction in more locations and by reducing the areas zoned for single-family housing.

From Time

“Development might not occur on every site, but the zoning is there and we’re adding programs to facilitate infill development,” said Brian Schoenfisch, program manager in the city’s planning department.

From Voice of San Diego

It doesn’t necessarily help small urban infill development apartment projects.

From Voice of San Diego

Prioritizing infill development in the county’s urban core areas, where wildfire threat is lower and people have access to jobs and public transit, benefits existing and new communities.

From Voice of San Diego

Naught but the clay, as to a rapture fond Could he with fire of genius thus infill!

From Project Gutenberg