recycle

[ ree-sahy-kuhl ]

/ riˈsaɪ kəl /

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See synonyms for: recycle / recycled / recycling on Thesaurus.com

verb (used with object), re·cy·cled, re·cy·cling.

to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse: recycling paper to save trees.

to alter or adapt for new use without changing the essential form or nature of: The old factory is being recycled as a theater.

to use again in the original form or with minimal alteration: The governor recycled some speeches from his early days.

to cause to pass through a cycle again: to recycle laundry through a washing machine.

verb (used without object), re·cy·cled, re·cy·cling.

to pass through a cycle again; repeat a process from the beginning.

to undergo reuse or renewal; be subject to or suitable for further use, activity, etc.: The industry will recycle and become profitable once more.

noun

the act or process of recycling.

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Origin of recycle

First recorded in 1925–30; re- + cycle

OTHER WORDS FROM recycle

re·cy·cla·ble, adjectivere·cy·cla·bil·i·ty, nounre·cy·cler, re·cy·clist, nounnon·re·cy·cla·ble, adjective

un·re·cy·cled, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for recycle

recycle

/ (riːˈsaɪkəl) /

verb (tr)

to pass (a substance) through a system again for further treatment or use

to reclaim (packaging or products with a limited useful life) for further use

to institute a different cycle of processes or events in (a machine, system, etc)

to repeat (a series of operations)

noun

the repetition of a fixed sequence of events

Derived forms of recycle

recyclable or recycleable, adjective, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

recycle

Origin of recycle

OTHER WORDS FROM recycle

Words related to recycle

British Dictionary definitions for recycle

Derived forms of recycle