a large container or enclosed space for storing something in bulk, such as coal, grain, or wool
Also called: bread bin. a small container for bread
Also called: dustbin. rubbish bin. a container for litter, rubbish, etc
a storage place for bottled wine
one particular bottling of wine
(tr) to store in a bin
(tr) to put in a wastepaper bin
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.
before 950; Middle English binne, Old English binn ( e ) crib, perhaps < Celtic; compare Welsh benn cart
Combining form of Latin bīnī two each, by twos
A bin is a box or other lidded container. You might store onions and potatoes in a vegetable bin in your kitchen. The noun bin is especially good for describing a specific kind of container, like a toy bin at a preschool or a compost bin on the counter. Bin is more commonly used in Britain than in the United States — a Londoner might say, "Oh, just throw that in the bin," while a New Yorker is more likely to say, "Throw it in the trash," or "Toss it in the garbage." The root word is the Old English binne, "basket."
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Bin Laden has been dead for a decade and a half.
From Slate • Apr. 21, 2026
In 25 years, most people will be using brain-computer interfaces to control devices with their thoughts, says Bin He, professor of biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026
Pyongyang-bound business traveller Zhao Bin showed reporters his air ticket, and expressed optimism that tourism would resume for Chinese visitors.
From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026
Even though it was a covert Special Forces operation, Panetta said, he personally briefed key congressional leaders before Bin Laden’s killing took place.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 15, 2026
"My name is Su Bin Bao," he said in perfect English.
From "The Martian" by Andy Weir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
