single-use

adjective

sin·​gle-use ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˈyüs How to pronounce single-use (audio)
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

Examples of single-use in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The patch comes packaged in a carrying case with single-use adhesive strips that keep the device sanitary for each use, as well as goggles for ensuring your eyes stay safe throughout the entire process. Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025 Given the price point and its single-use battery, this isn't for everyone. Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 10 Dec. 2025 The single-use loitering munitions are designed for autonomous flight and affordable mass deployment. Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 8 Dec. 2025 In terms of sustainability, the lodge avoids single-use plastics in its suites. Heather Richardson, Travel + Leisure, 8 Dec. 2025 What's more, recycling systems on spacecraft weren't traditionally designed to handle blood, and managing a period with single-use tampons can create more waste and hassle. Jessica Rendall, Space.com, 7 Dec. 2025 When the council approved that fee in 2019, it was intended as a way to reduce the prevalence of single-use plastics in Denver. Elliott Wenzler, Denver Post, 4 Dec. 2025 Its objectives are to inspire fans, artists, and event organizers to wear, rewear, or customize outfits, replacing single-use fashion with creative, lasting alternatives. Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Dec. 2025 At that time, consumers and policymakers were realizing there were severe environmental consequences to single-use, disposable plastics, and companies were feeling the heat. Judith Enck, Time, 1 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single-use was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Single-use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-use. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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