refuel

American  

[ree-fyoo-uhl] / riˈfyu əl /

verb (used with object)

refueled, refueling, refuelled, refuelling

1. to supply again with fuel.

   to refuel an airplane.

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verb (used without object)

refueled, refueling, refuelled, refuelling

1. to take on a fresh supply of fuel.

   The plane refueled at Paris and flew on.

refuel British  

/ riːˈfjuːəl /

verb

1. to supply or be supplied with fresh fuel

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Other Word Forms

• nonrefueling
  adjective
• nonrefuelling
  adjective
• refuelable
  adjective
• unrefueled
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of refuel

First recorded in 1805–15; re- + fuel

Example Sentences

"I am afraid of taking long-distance passengers, as it is uncertain whether I will be able to refuel and return safely."

From Barron's • Apr. 21, 2026

One key feature is the ability to refuel in orbit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

During this nine-hour mission, the Typhoon and F-35 jet refuel seven times - taking on a total of 30 tonnes of aviation fuel.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

“Airlines will refuel where they can, at the cheapest source,” Fyall said.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

But pretty soon, he and G’ma are stopping to refuel the RV and to go number two—nobody wants to empty that from the tank—in Birmingham, Alabama.

From "Clean Getaway" by Nic Stone