single-use
adjective
sin·gle-use
ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˈyüs 
variants
or less commonly single use
: intended or designed to be used once and then discarded
single-use plastics
single-use paper products
Surgical masks are single-use face coverings that are designed to act as a barrier to sneezes or other potential exchanges of germs.—
Anandi Barker
Anandi BarkerExamples of single-use in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This formula replaces single-use hygiene wipes, preventing more than 5 million of them ending up in landfill.
—Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
California’s landmark single-use plastic law is slowly being eroded by pressures within the state.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
My room featured slippers made from recycled cork and fabric, Bamford organic amenities in refillable containers, and no single-use plastics.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
The Arizona Attorney General's Office won a concession from Reynolds Consumer Products that will affect consumers nationwide after filing a lawsuit arguing the single-use household goods company's Hefty trash bags were not truly recyclable.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen (single-use packs or a sunscreen stick can be handy for throwing in a bag or pocket) and apply it throughout the day.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
In a world with so many single-use items, knowing the most conscious way to dispose of them can be confusing.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
To-Go Coffee Cups Metzger explains how most single-use cups are coated with plastic to prevent any liquid from spilling, and should not be put in the recycling bin.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Disposable masks are grouped into three main types — single-use, surgical and respirator.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
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Tory Johnson, ABC News, 2 Mar. 2026
California’s landmark single-use plastic law is slowly being eroded by pressures within the state.
—Susanne Rust
follow, Los Angeles Times, 27 Feb. 2026
My room featured slippers made from recycled cork and fabric, Bamford organic amenities in refillable containers, and no single-use plastics.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Feb. 2026
The Arizona Attorney General's Office won a concession from Reynolds Consumer Products that will affect consumers nationwide after filing a lawsuit arguing the single-use household goods company's Hefty trash bags were not truly recyclable.
—Jose R. Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 25 Feb. 2026
Don’t forget to pack sunscreen (single-use packs or a sunscreen stick can be handy for throwing in a bag or pocket) and apply it throughout the day.
—Jillian Dara, Travel + Leisure, 20 Feb. 2026
In a world with so many single-use items, knowing the most conscious way to dispose of them can be confusing.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 19 Feb. 2026
To-Go Coffee Cups Metzger explains how most single-use cups are coated with plastic to prevent any liquid from spilling, and should not be put in the recycling bin.
—Maria Sabella, The Spruce, 16 Feb. 2026
Disposable masks are grouped into three main types — single-use, surgical and respirator.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 10 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Single-use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-use. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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