re·cy·cle
(ˌ)rē-ˈsī-kəl 
recycled; recycling; recycles
1
: to pass again through a series of changes or treatments: such as
a
: to process (something, such as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use
b
c
: to reuse or make (a substance) available for reuse for biological activities through natural processes of biochemical degradation or modification
green plants recycling the residue of forest fires
recycle ADP back to ATP
2
: to adapt to a new use : alter
3
: to bring back : reuse
recycles a number of good anecdotes—
Larry McMurtry
Larry McMurtry4
: to make ready for reuse
a plan to recycle vacant tenements
5
: to reuse (money) by investing especially in an area or enterprise that will allow the investment to return as new profits
recycle petrodollars
1
: to return to an earlier point in a countdown
2
: to return to an original condition so that operation can begin again
—used of an electronic device
3
: to process materials or substances (such as liquid body waste, glass, or cans) in order to regain material for human use
As a rule, Welch does not recycle. Its roadsides are littered with paper bags from the town's half-dozen fast-food outlets.
Synonyms
Examples of recycle in a Sentence
Verb
They're studying various ways to recycle garbage into fuel.
The doormat is made from recycled tires.
Town residents are required to recycle cans and bottles.
We make efforts to recycle.
The author recycles a familiar story in her latest novel.
Recent Examples on the Web
Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The products also have her West Coast stamp on them with warm tones and a neutral color palette, and are created using materials like rustic wood and recycled glassware from Mexico.
—Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2024
And second, with complex sustainability initiatives behind the scenes that are meant to save energy, recycle and make the facilities more sustainable for future generations.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for recycle 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
Jeff Beal, owner of the Cigar Vault, said the business uses a ventilation system that recycles the air, so patrons of nearby businesses should not be bothered by the cigar smoke.
—Rachel Royster, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
The products also have her West Coast stamp on them with warm tones and a neutral color palette, and are created using materials like rustic wood and recycled glassware from Mexico.
—Kristin L. Wolfe, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Noun
Either recycle empty boxes or give them to a friend who’s in the process of moving.
—Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Sep. 2024
And second, with complex sustainability initiatives behind the scenes that are meant to save energy, recycle and make the facilities more sustainable for future generations.
—Christopher Elliott, Forbes, 21 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for recycle
Dictionary Entries Near recycle
Cite this Entry
“Recycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recycle. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share