bin

¹

[bin]

noun

1. a box or enclosed place for storing grain, coal, or the like.

verb (used with object)

binned, binning 

1. to store in a bin.

bin-

²

1. a combining form meaning “two,” “two at a time,” used in the formation of compound words.

   binary; binocular.

bin

¹

/ bɪn /

noun

1. a large container or enclosed space for storing something in bulk, such as coal, grain, or wool

2. Also called: bread bin. a small container for bread

3. Also called: dustbin.  rubbish bin. a container for litter, rubbish, etc

4. 1. a storage place for bottled wine

   2. one particular bottling of wine

verb

1. (tr) to store in a bin

2. (tr) to put in a wastepaper bin

bin-

²

prefix

1. a variant, esp before a vowel, of bi- 1

   binocular

Other Word Forms

• unbinned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of bin¹

before 950; Middle English binne, Old English binn ( e ) crib, perhaps < Celtic; compare Welsh benn cart

Origin of bin²

Combining form of Latin bīnī two each, by twos

Word History and Origins

Origin of bin¹

Old English binne basket, probably of Celtic origin; related to bindan to _bind

Example Sentences

Since the rise to power of Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman, cinemas have reopened, women are allowed to drive and foreign tourists are being welcomed.

Read more on Barron's

The United States and Saudi Arabia signed agreements on civil nuclear energy and the sale of cutting-edge US F-35 warplanes during a visit Tuesday by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the White House said.

Read more on Barron's

Occasionally, Woo leaps over a trash can or a recycling bin, as if to taunt me for my lack of hops.

Read more on Literature

The woman scooped an armful of tutus from a bin and dumped them in Penelope’s arms.

Read more on Literature

While the looming F-35 sale has garnered attention, the kingdom’s pursuit of advanced U.S. chip technology is a priority for Mohammed bin Salman, Arab and U.S. officials say.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

When To Use

What does bin- mean?

Bin- is a combining form used like a prefix, and it means “two” or “two at a time.” While it appears in a variety of scientific terms, it’s also easily recognizable in everyday terms.Bin- comes from the Latin bīnī, meaning “two each” or “by twos.”Bin- is related to the combining form bi- and is used with some words or word elements beginning with vowels. These two forms have similar origins, and for that reason, the difference between the two is a small yet important nuance: bin- tends to mean “double,” while bi- often means “twice.” Want to know more? Read our Words That Use bi- article.