recycles; recycled; recycling
1
a
: to make something new from (something that has been used before)
The company recycles plastic.
They're studying various ways to recycle garbage into fuel.
The oil is recycled.
The doormat is made from recycled tires.
b
: to send (used newspapers, bottles, cans, etc.) to a place where they are made into something new
Town residents are required to recycle cans and bottles.
We make efforts to recycle.
2
: to use (something) again
The author recycles a familiar story in her latest novel.
Cite this Entry
“Recycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/recycle. Accessed 15 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
