dustbin

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableBritish

   A container, usually kept outside, for holding household waste until it is collected.

   Grammar: Countable: a dustbin, two dustbins. In American English, people usually say 'trash can' or 'garbage can.'

   Patterns

   • put something in the dustbin
   • take the dustbin out
   • the dustbin is full

   Please put the empty bottles in the dustbin.

   The dustbin is full, so I'll take it out tonight.

   They keep their dustbin next to the back door.

2. 2nouncountableBritish

   A container for waste kept inside a building, especially in a kitchen.

   Grammar: Countable; in American English this is usually a 'trash can' or 'garbage can.'

   Patterns

   • throw something in the dustbin
   • empty the dustbin

   Throw the apple core in the dustbin.

   He emptied the dustbin before leaving for work.

3. 3nounsingularfigurativeformal

   Used in the phrase 'dustbin of history' to mean the place where things that are no longer wanted or respected are forgotten.

   Grammar: Used mainly in the fixed phrase 'the dustbin of history.'

   Patterns

   • the dustbin of history

   The old policy was consigned to the dustbin of history.

   Many thought the party would end up in the dustbin of history.

Word forms

Common combinations

take the dustbin out

It's your turn to take the dustbin out.

empty the dustbin

She emptied the dustbin after dinner.

the dustbin is full

The dustbin is full of packaging.

throw something in the dustbin

Don't throw batteries in the dustbin.

the dustbin of history

The failed theory was thrown into the dustbin of history.

Synonyms and how they differ

trash can

Trash can is the usual American term; dustbin is British and sounds slightly old-fashioned to some speakers.

garbage can

Garbage can is American and refers to the same container, especially outdoors.

bin

Bin is the short everyday British word; dustbin is more specific and a little dated.

rubbish bin

Rubbish bin is another British term and is often used for a container inside the house.

Word family

dust noun

fine dry dirt or powder.

bin noun

a container for waste or storage.

Commonly confused: dustbin or dustman? dustbin or bin?

Practice

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