refuel

[ree-fyoo-uhl]

verb (used with object)

refueled, refueling , refuelled, refuelling .

1. to supply again with fuel.

   to refuel an airplane.

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

/ riːˈfjuːəl /

verb

1. to supply or be supplied with fresh fuel

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of refuel¹

First recorded in 1805–15; re- + fuel

Example Sentences

How would astronauts refuel the spaceship for the voyage home?

Read more on Literature

Many delivery and bus drivers have resorted to sleeping at petrol stations in the hope of being the first to refuel once supplies come in.

Read more on BBC

Fully loaded with hydrogen bombs, the bombers could be refueled in the air, giving them the range to reach Soviet targets.

Read more on Literature

China has used its fortified islands in the South China Sea to deploy vessels and aircraft for longer periods without having to refuel and restock on the mainland.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But the delay required the plane to be refueled.

Read more on Los Angeles Times