WordGarden.ioreuse
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /riːjˈuːz/
US
- /riˈjus/
Meanings
Verb
to use something again instead of throwing it away
to use something again in a broader general or technical way
Noun
the practice of using things again instead of discarding them
Beyond the definition
To reuse something means to use it again, either for the same purpose or for a different one. It is about giving things a new life instead of throwing them away. Think of an old T-shirt becoming cleaning rags, or glass jars being used to store small items.
Reusing is an important part of cutting waste and helping the environment. While recycling means breaking something down to make something new, reusing means keeping the item as it is and finding another use for it. You might use a shopping bag again instead of taking a new plastic one, or turn leftover food into another meal. It is a simple habit that can save money and reduce waste.
The word "reuse" describes the act of utilizing something again, either for its original purpose or a different one. It's more than just avoiding waste; it's about extending the life cycle of an object and finding value in what already exists.
Consider a coffee can—instead of tossing it when the coffee is gone, you might reuse it to hold pens, craft supplies, or even small plants. That is reusing! It differs from recycling, which involves breaking down materials to create something entirely new. Reusing keeps the item intact and finds a second (or third!) life for it.
The concept of reuse is central to sustainability efforts. It's about conscious consumption, reducing our environmental impact, and embracing resourcefulness. You can reuse items in countless ways: repurposing old furniture, donating clothes you've outgrown, using reusable water bottles instead of disposable ones, or even creatively upcycling materials into art projects.
In a broader context, "reuse" can also refer to utilizing existing systems or ideas rather than starting from scratch. For example, a programmer might reuse code snippets in different programs to save time and ensure consistency.
So, whether it's finding a new purpose for an old item, reducing waste, or building upon existing foundations, "reuse" is about maximizing value and minimizing impact through thoughtful utilization.
Examples
- 1
Shopping bags
We keep sturdy shopping bags and reuse them every week.
- 2
Cafe bottles
The cafe reuses its glass bottles after they are cleaned.
- 3
Repurposing
She reused an old wooden door as a desk.
- Patternreuse X as Y
use it again for a different purpose
- 4
Classroom materials
The teacher reused last year's quiz with a few small changes.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Software projects
The app was built so the same code could be reused in other projects.
- 6
Urban planning
The city encourages the reuse of old buildings instead of knocking them down.
- 7
Environmental slogan
At school, the children learn the idea of "reduce, reuse, recycle."
- Phrase"reduce, reuse, recycle"
a common phrase about cutting waste
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- reusenounverb
Forms
- reusedpast tenseverbnoun
- reusing-ing formverbnoun
- reusesverbnoun