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
While there is no federal ban against single-use plastic straws, some states and cities have put restrictions in place to help reduce waste.
—Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
In New Jersey, a 2024 study funded by plastic bag manufacturers found that while the number of single-use plastic bags sold declined by 60% after a bag ban took effect in 2015, the number of alternative plastic bags increased.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Even the cafe’s to-go cups are low-impact, made from durable clay, not single-use plastic or paper.
—Leilani Marie Labong, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
Despite efforts to keep concession prices low with the Birdland Value Menu, fans are still limited to buying or bringing water in a single-use plastic bottle.
—Rachel Bustamante, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2025
Waste generation spikes significantly during summer holidays, with single-use plastics, food waste, and packaging leading the charge.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Use of the preservative has also declined in vaccines overall, as manufacturers have reformulated vaccines and developed more single-use doses.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 27 June 2025
These are typically single-use, non-rechargeable batteries that are used in remote controls or smoke detectors.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Hurtigruten is also justifiably proud of its environmental initiatives, including zero food waste, single-use plastic, partnerships with local food suppliers and excursion operators, and use of sustainable biofuels.
—AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
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Ashley J. Dimella, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025
In New Jersey, a 2024 study funded by plastic bag manufacturers found that while the number of single-use plastic bags sold declined by 60% after a bag ban took effect in 2015, the number of alternative plastic bags increased.
—Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 30 June 2025
Even the cafe’s to-go cups are low-impact, made from durable clay, not single-use plastic or paper.
—Leilani Marie Labong, Travel + Leisure, 29 June 2025
Despite efforts to keep concession prices low with the Birdland Value Menu, fans are still limited to buying or bringing water in a single-use plastic bottle.
—Rachel Bustamante, Baltimore Sun, 28 June 2025
Waste generation spikes significantly during summer holidays, with single-use plastics, food waste, and packaging leading the charge.
—Dianne Plummer, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
Use of the preservative has also declined in vaccines overall, as manufacturers have reformulated vaccines and developed more single-use doses.
—Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 27 June 2025
These are typically single-use, non-rechargeable batteries that are used in remote controls or smoke detectors.
—Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 June 2025
Hurtigruten is also justifiably proud of its environmental initiatives, including zero food waste, single-use plastic, partnerships with local food suppliers and excursion operators, and use of sustainable biofuels.
—AFAR Media, 26 June 2025
Cite this Entry
“Single-use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-use. Accessed 16 Jul. 2025.
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