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
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
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
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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
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
Cite this Entry
“Single-use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-use. Accessed 14 Dec. 2025.
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