What does resupply mean?
Resupply is a verb meaning to provide something again, usually because the original supply has been used, damaged, lost, or consumed. The word is especially common in military and logistical language: commanders resupply troops, ships, aircraft, or forward bases, and expeditions resupply themselves at intermediate stops. It can also apply in everyday situations when replenishing essentials is necessary, as in resupplying a shelter with food or batteries after supplies have been depleted. Unlike supply, which simply means providing materials or goods, resupply emphasizes repetition and restoration. The prefix re- gives the word its central idea of doing the supplying process anew. Although resupply can sound formal because of its frequent association with organized operations, it is clear and useful in any context involving renewed provisions.
verbTo supply again, especially to replace or replenish supplies that have been used, lost, or consumed.
- To supply again or replenish supplies, especially in military or logistical contexts.
"The convoy returned to resupply the troops before continuing its mission."
"The aircraft landed briefly to resupply the forward operating base."
"As the storm damaged the equipment, the team had to resupply the shelter with batteries and food."
Resupply means giving a second helping: the word is especially associated with keeping troops, ships, or expeditions supplied for a continuing journey.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does resupply come from?
Resupply combines the prefix re-, meaning again, with supply. Supply comes through Old French from Latin supplere, meaning to fill up or provide what is needed. The extended form resupply reflects the common English pattern of adding re- to verbs whose action is repeated. Its related forms, including supplier, supplementary, and supplemental, share the same Latin foundation.
Related word forms
How resupply is actually used
Most common in military, maritime, expedition, and emergency-relief contexts. In general use, it often carries a sense of repeated or renewed support rather than an initial provision.
Easily confused with resupply
Supply means to provide something, whereas resupply means to provide it again, usually after some of it has been used or lost.