wastebasket

noun

waste·​bas·​ket ˈwās(t)-ˌba-skət How to pronounce wastebasket (audio)
: a receptacle for refuse and especially for wastepaper

called also wastepaper basket

Examples of wastebasket in a Sentence

She tossed the wrapper into the wastebasket.
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.
First, collect any small bags that are full (such as those from bathroom wastebaskets) and add them to the kitchen trash. — Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Jan. 2026 Use it for throws, pet toys, umbrellas, or even as an elevated wastebasket. — Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 25 June 2026 Safety tips ▪ Always keep space heaters at least three feet away from furniture, wastebaskets or anything that may be flammable. — Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2026 Stale ashtrays and spittoons were everywhere, along with wastebaskets surrounded by mounds of misaimed and crumpled papers. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for wastebasket

Word History

First Known Use

1850, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of wastebasket was in 1850

Browse Nearby Words

waste bank
wastebasket
waste bin
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Wastebasket.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wastebasket. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

wastebasket

noun
waste·​bas·​ket ˈwās(t)-ˌbas-kət How to pronounce wastebasket (audio)
: an open container for trash and especially wastepaper

More from Merriam-Webster on wastebasket

Nglish: Translation of wastebasket for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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