single-use

adjective

sin·​gle-use ˈsiŋ-gəl-ˈyüs How to pronounce single-use (audio)
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

Examples of single-use in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Option one, for instance, would inspire companies to develop alternatives such as fully biodegradable and compostable materials designed to ultimately replace plastic (especially single-use plastics like shopping bags and plastic packaging, which constitutes 35 percent of plastic usage today). Susan Solomon, WIRED, 14 Dec. 2024 The hotel also engages in a composting program, has eliminated single-use plastics, and offers sustainable food and beverage options. Hannah Selinger, Travel + Leisure, 9 Dec. 2024 Then continue to charge and reuse it for years to come, eliminating the waste of single-use hand warmers. Maggie Horton, People.com, 8 Dec. 2024 Individually wrapped bananas, single-use coffee pods, and layers of excessive packaging are just the tip of the iceberg. David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 Panelists noted the need to prioritize removing harmful materials and chemicals from products, reducing single-use plastic production and sorting materials that can be reused in the supply chain. Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024 Pollution from single-use plastic remains a major problem. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 4 Dec. 2024 The nonprofit organization Oceana has sharply criticized Coca-Cola’s decision, accusing the company of doubling down on single-use plastic rather than focusing on reusability. Francisco Velasquez, Quartz, 4 Dec. 2024 Zip Top Reusable Food Storage Bags, Set of 3 $55 $47 Amazon Any opportunity to cut down on single-use plastic is an opportunity worth taking. Emily Farris, Bon Appétit, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of single-use was in 1897

Dictionary Entries Near single-use

Cite this Entry

“Single-use.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/single-use. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

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