recycle

Formsrecycles, recycling, recycled

Pluralrecycles

1. 1
   verbtransitive

   To break down used materials so they can be made into new things.

   Like melting down old crayons to make brand-new ones.

   Many towns recycle glass bottles and old newspapers.

   The factory recycles plastic into new containers.

   Similarreprocess, reclaim, salvage

   Note
2. 2
   verbtransitive

   To put items into a special bin so they can be reused.

   Please recycle your bottles in the green bin.

   She recycles all her paper at the office.

   Note
3. 3
   verbUStransitive

   To throw something away by putting it into a recycling bin.

   Just recycle that empty can when you're done.

   He recycles his junk mail every week.

   Note
4. 4
   verbfigurativelytransitive

   To use something old again just as it is, like an idea or a joke.

   Like wearing the same costume to every party.

   The comedian recycled jokes from his old shows.

   Writers often recycle ideas from earlier stories.

   Similarreuse, rehash, repurpose

   Note
5. 5
   verbintransitive

   To be collected and made into something new.

   Glass can recycle endlessly without losing quality.

   Clean aluminum recycles again and again.

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   A single time when materials are processed to be used again.

   Every recycle keeps trash out of the landfill.

   This factory completes one recycle each day.

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7. 7
   verbUStransitive

   To send a person through a training course again.

   Like repeating a grade in school.

   The army recycled the recruits who failed the first test.

   They recycle soldiers who need more practice.

   Similarretrain

   Note
8. 8
   verbintransitive

   In roller derby, to skate to the back so you slow down the other team's point-scorer.

   Like backing away in a game of tag so the other player has to run farther.

   Good blockers recycle to keep the other team's scorer stuck behind them.

   She recycled to slow the other team down.

   Note

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