freecycle

American  

[free-sahy-kuhl] / ˌfriˈsaɪ kəl /

verb (used with object)

freecycled, freecycling

1. to give away (used goods or materials) to people who want them, or to obtain (such items) for free.

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verb (used without object)

freecycled, freecycling

1. to exchange used items for free.

noun

1. an online community that facilitates such exchanges.

freecycle British  

/ ˈfriːˌsaɪkəl /

noun

1. an informal network of citizens who cooperate online to promote recycling by offering one another unwanted items free of charge

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verb

1. (tr) to recycle (an unwanted item) by offering it to someone free of charge

Other Word Forms

• freecycler
  noun

Etymology

Origin of freecycle

2000–05; blend of free and recycle

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

freecycle freecycling

The items on offer at the "face-to-face freecycle" event include things such as books, clothes and household items.

From BBC ● Nov. 22, 2025

"We've had to save money wherever we could, so a lot of foraging in skips and scouring freecycle for hours on end looking for free wood," said Amie.

From BBC ● Oct. 22, 2022

On Saturday, 55,000 participants had enjoyed endless sunshine for the Ride London freecycle event, when 10 miles of the city were given over to cyclists to potter past the sights and enjoy a festival atmosphere.

From Reuters ● Aug. 11, 2014

Millions of us know the basics of freecycling: when you’re lumbered with something you either don’t want or don’t need, you can connect via the internet with someone for whom it might have a use.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 10, 2018