landfill

American  

[land-fil] / ˈlændˌfɪl /

noun

1. a low area of land that is built up from deposits of solid refuse in layers covered by soil.

2. the solid refuse itself.

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verb (used without object)

1. to create more usable land by this means.

verb (used with object)

1. to make (an area of land) by means of a landfill.

2. to use in a landfill.

   to landfill millions of tons of garbage each year.

landfill British  

/ ˈlændˌfɪl /

noun

1. 1. disposal of waste material by burying it under layers of earth

   2. ( as modifier )

      landfill sites

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landfill Scientific  

/ lănd′fĭl′ /

1. A disposal site where solid waste, such as paper, glass, and metal, is buried between layers of dirt and other materials in such a way as to reduce contamination of the surrounding land. Modern landfills are often lined with layers of absorbent material and sheets of plastic to keep pollutants from leaking into the soil and water.

2. Also called sanitary landfill

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Etymology

Origin of landfill

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45; land + fill

Example Sentences

This reduces the amount of waste rotting in landfill and releasing greenhouse gases.

From BBC

A hundred rats had chased him farther into the landfill, to where human machines screamed and scraped in the trash heaps.

From Literature

The owner of a former illegal landfill site in east London which repeatedly catches fire has refused permission for the local council to implement its own temporary solution.

From BBC

Now, the landfill site will stay open for another four decades.

From Barron's

She hoped this meant it was "making a dent" in the amount of food that ended up in landfill.

From BBC

Related Words

• depot
• junkyard