recycle
verb (used with object)
to treat or process (used or waste materials) so as to make suitable for reuse.
were recycling
-
past progressiveof recycle.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Ms O'Donnell, 43, said at first she and her family were "recycling amateurs".
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2025
Collections of classic Beatles songs were recycling the Fab Four’s greatest hits, leaving Lennon to worry if he could ever live up to the public demand that the Dream Band reunite.
From New York Times ● Dec. 8, 2020
This lasted three years until they noticed more restaurants were recycling waste vegetable oil en masse, a switch that was good for the environment but bad for their fuel reserve.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 19, 2020
Would you feel creeped out by hearing a friend say they were recycling a bridal set?
From Slate ● Nov. 21, 2019
The Japanese were recycling paper in the 11th century; medieval blacksmiths made armour from scrap metal.
From The Guardian ● Aug. 17, 2019
