recycle

[ree-sahy-kuhl]

verb (used with object)

recycled, recycling 

1. to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse.

   recycling paper to save trees.

2. to alter or adapt for new use without changing the essential form or nature of.

   The old factory is being recycled as a theater.

3. to use again in the original form or with minimal alteration.

   The governor recycled some speeches from his early days.

4. to cause to pass through a cycle again.

   to recycle laundry through a washing machine.

verb (used without object)

recycled, recycling 

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

2. 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

1. the act or process of recycling.

recycle

/ riːˈsaɪkəl /

verb

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

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

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

4. to repeat (a series of operations)

noun

1. the repetition of a fixed sequence of events

Other Word Forms

• recyclable adjective
• recyclability noun
• recycler noun
• recyclist noun
• nonrecyclable adjective
• unrecycled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of recycle¹

First recorded in 1925–30; re- + cycle

Example Sentences

She said the recycled water will more than make up for the 2% of L.A.’s water that comes from the area’s creeks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related executives explained to residents that its planned data center would use a recycled liquid to cool the data center rather than evaporative cooling, which can strain the local water system.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Eilish also uses biodegradable confetti at her concerts, encourages fans to bring in their own water bottles and makes merchandise from recycled cotton.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Plus, a focus on green consumerism with recycled fashion sites like ThredUp and Depop means it doesn’t take much for trends to cycle back in vogue.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Plastic recycling plant closures are affecting the US as well, also prompted by the low price of virgin plastic, causing the country to miss its recycled content targets, as S&P Global reports.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• convert