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 WebMarci Robin, Allure, 23 Apr. 2024
The metals present in e-waste aren’t necessarily useful for every climate tech application even when they are recycled.
—Maddie Stone / Grist, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for recycle 
Verb
Editor Tip: Oui the People provides several helpful tips on recycling steel blades on its site.
—Marci Robin, Allure, 23 Apr. 2024
The metals present in e-waste aren’t necessarily useful for every climate tech application even when they are recycled.
—Maddie Stone / Grist, Quartz, 23 Apr. 2024
See all Example Sentences for recycle
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recycle.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near recycle
Cite this Entry
“Recycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recycle. Accessed 4 May. 2024.
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