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
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
Then continue to charge and reuse it for years to come, eliminating the waste of single-use hand warmers.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025
Decorating for the holidays can get pricey fast and lead to a lot of unnecessary waste in the form of plastic packaging, single-use decor, and more.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
It could also be used for things like food containers, packaging, and single-use items designed to hold shape for hours, then fall apart days later.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025
Regenerative farming, on-site water treatment, and zero single-use plastics prove that conservation and comfort can go hand in hand on this property (and other Auberge Resorts, too).
—Kristin Songy Diehl, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025
This bundle offers two single-use licenses.
—PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025
Considerations Before Getting Started Some manufacturers warn against using vinegar for cleaning, especially with single-use coffee machines like Keurig or Nespresso.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025
Many Staples locations across Cincinnati, including on Reading Road, Glenway Avenue and Paxton Avenue, accept single-use batteries for free, according to Call2Recycle.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2025
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Judith Enck, Time, 1 Dec. 2025
Then continue to charge and reuse it for years to come, eliminating the waste of single-use hand warmers.
—Maggie Horton, PEOPLE, 30 Nov. 2025
Decorating for the holidays can get pricey fast and lead to a lot of unnecessary waste in the form of plastic packaging, single-use decor, and more.
—Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Nov. 2025
It could also be used for things like food containers, packaging, and single-use items designed to hold shape for hours, then fall apart days later.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 29 Nov. 2025
Regenerative farming, on-site water treatment, and zero single-use plastics prove that conservation and comfort can go hand in hand on this property (and other Auberge Resorts, too).
—Kristin Songy Diehl, Travel + Leisure, 26 Nov. 2025
This bundle offers two single-use licenses.
—PC Magazine, 22 Nov. 2025
Considerations Before Getting Started Some manufacturers warn against using vinegar for cleaning, especially with single-use coffee machines like Keurig or Nespresso.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Nov. 2025
Many Staples locations across Cincinnati, including on Reading Road, Glenway Avenue and Paxton Avenue, accept single-use batteries for free, according to Call2Recycle.
—David Ferrara, Cincinnati Enquirer, 21 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Single-use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-use. Accessed 7 Dec. 2025.
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