English Reference
verb · noun

reuse

v. · n.
US /ɹiˈjus/ UK /ɹiːjˈuːz/ re·use UK spelling reused, reuses

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.to use something more than once, often for a new purpose, to avoid wasting it.

    v.to employ an item or material again in its original or a modified capacity, typically to extend its lifecycle.

    Simple

    You can reuse these glass jars to store spices in your kitchen.

    In context

    The software architecture was designed so that developers could reuse existing modules across different applications, significantly reducing production time.

    Usage

    Transitive verb; always requires a direct object.

    repurposerecyclesalvage
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    n.the act of using something again instead of throwing it in the trash.

    n.the practice or instance of using an item again, often discussed in the context of environmental sustainability.

    Simple

    The city encourages the reuse of plastic bags to help the environment.

    In context

    The policy focuses on the reduction of waste through the systematic reuse of industrial components within the manufacturing cycle.

    Usage

    Can be used as both a countable and uncountable noun.

    reutilisationrecycling

From re- + use.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated