refill
ree-FIL
/ˌriːˈfɪl/
To fill a container again with liquid or food; an additional serving of a beverage.
In North American casual dining, iced tea, water, and drip coffee frequently include free refills.
The story behind the word. Combines Latin 're-' (again) with Old English 'fyllan' (to make full). The noun form expanded in 20th-century American diner culture to designate complimentary drink replenishment.
Word relationships
- top-up: 'Top-up' is British English for topping off a drink, whereas 'refill' is standard American English.
- drain: To empty liquid out completely.
Commonly confused with
- refillable: 'Refillable' is an adjective describing a container designed for multiple uses; 'refill' is the noun or verb.
Word family
- fill (verb): To make or become full.
- refillable (adjective): Capable of being filled again.
Collocations
- free refill
- offer a refill
- prompt refill
- coffee refill
Example sentences
- "The server immediately offered a refill of coffee before my mug was empty." Casual service
- "Fountain drinks come with unlimited free refills during your meal." Menu terms
Memory hook
RE-FILL = FILLing REpetitively. Fill up again.
When not to use
Do not use when ordering an entirely different beverage item.
Fun facts
- Free soda refills became a standard American restaurant tradition during the expansion of roadside diners in the 1950s.
Related words
Explore more words
refuel, refreshments, upsize, self-serve, overflow, beverage
Also appears in
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