DictionaryrefuseWaste material
noun

refuse

Unwanted material that is thrown away.

Workers collect the refuse from bins along the street.

Etymology

Refuse is associated with refusing or rejecting material. The noun names the things rejected as unwanted and therefore discarded.

More examples

  • Please put household refuse in the large outdoor bin.
  • Plastic bottles and other refuse wash up on the beach.
  • Refuse collection is delayed by one day this week.

Forms

refuse

Similar words

trash
A more everyday American term for things thrown away.
garbage
Often suggests household waste, especially food scraps.
waste
Broader: includes unwanted liquids and gases as well as solids.