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

Most of the requested vessels would expand the number of noncombat ships the U.S. can turn to in wartime to carry ammunition, cargo and vehicles and to refuel and rearm warships at sea.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

One key feature is the ability to refuel in orbit.

From Science Daily • Apr. 3, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

The RAC's advice for drivers is to "plan carefully" where they refuel, making use of apps that allow them to compare prices at local outlets.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

There, she would help refuel the Royal Air Force.

From "The Cay" by Theodore Taylor