recycle

American  

[ree-sahy-kuhl] / riˈsaɪ kəl /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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)

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noun

1. the repetition of a fixed sequence of events

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of recycle

First recorded in 1925–30; re- + cycle

Example Sentences

A litter picking group has introduced a second reverse vending machine to the county that will offer rewards to people who recycle their cans and bottles.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Marine annelids are found across nearly all ocean environments, where they help mix sediments, recycle nutrients, signal pollution levels, and support marine food webs.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

Unicharm has been able to recycle these materials into products with less rigorous sanitary requirements, like toilet paper.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

In January, Google invested in a startup that aims to recycle electric-vehicle battery packs to power microgrids.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 10, 2026

“I think we need something closer to home. My grandmother probably won’t let me leave the country. Maybe we could collect aluminum cans and recycle them.”

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

Related Words

• convert