upcycle

verb

up·​cy·​cle ˈəp-ˌsī-kəl How to pronounce upcycle (audio)
upcycled; upcycling

transitive verb

: to recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item : to create an object of greater value from (a discarded object of lesser value)
The line upcycles single-use plastic bags that are cleaned and brought in from Bali, Indonesia, and parts of California for use as the main material in the shoes. In the company's first year more than 175,000 plastic bags were reused to create footwear and accessories.Melissa Magsaysay
upcycling noun

Examples of upcycle 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.
Their Mothers’ Wedding Dresses: For rehearsal dinners, receptions or the wedding itself, some daughters are upcycling dresses that tell a family story. Sadiba Hasan, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025 Many exciting collaborations are also in the pipeline, including Gigi Hadid’s Guest In Residence, which tapped Nigel Xavier to create unique pieces by upcycling deadstock cashmere. Mecca Pryor, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025 In Oregon, Tessa Koch’s TMK Distillery upcycles the whey leftover from their own cheese-making process at the world’s only all-in-one creamery and distillery. Claudia Alarcón, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025 By upcycling a neglected garment, Hirsch hopes to give someone the chance to experience the beauty and craftsmanship that goes into creating a piece. Tereza Shkurtaj, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for upcycle

Word History

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of upcycle was in 1994

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Cite this Entry

“Upcycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/upcycle. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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