recyclable
Americanadjective
Explanation
Don’t chuck anything recyclable because it can be used again. Glass bottles and paper are recyclable. Styrofoam and unicorns are not. Recycling happens when things like old paper, plastic food containers, and metal cans are turned into something new. Recyclable paper, for example, might find a new life as a cardboard box, and recyclable soda bottles might be transformed into plastic benches and tables. Not everything is recyclable, and people who care about reducing consumption and pollution will often make sure they're buying food and other goods in recyclable containers.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Some 47 million tons of residential recyclable material is generated annually, with only 21% of that material being recycled, according to The Recycling Partnership, a nonprofit.
From Barron's • Jun. 17, 2026
SharkSafe Barriers are made from recyclable plastic and ceramic magnets.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 31, 2026
Meanwhile, some small boat models use a recyclable synthetic deck.
From BBC • Feb. 2, 2026
It is designed to be strong, long-lasting, and recyclable, while requiring far less energy to make than traditional construction materials.
From Science Daily • Jan. 21, 2026
“Her mom invented this recyclable paper coffee cup that holds in heat but keeps the outside from burning your hand.”
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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.
