dumpster

noun

dump·​ster ˈdəm(p)-stər How to pronounce dumpster (audio)
variants or less commonly Dumpster
: a large trash receptacle

Examples of dumpster 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.
Two officers, who were patrolling the area on the inaugural deployment of the department’s new e-bikes, apprehended the two suspects who attempted to throw away the duffle bag in a nearby dumpster. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 24 Apr. 2025 Grant funds can be used to purchase equipment, such as carts, dumpsters, collection vehicles, concrete pads and recycling corrals, according to NCDEQ. Evan Moore, Charlotte Observer, 21 Apr. 2025 Bouthillier recommended that residents in the state properly dispose of food and not leave dumpsters out. Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025 But, the housekeeper threw the bags in the resort’s dumpster and did not notify resort management, according to the report. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dumpster

Word History

Etymology

dump entry 1 + -ster (originally in the trademarked name Dempster Dumpster, applied to mechanically loaded refuse containers produced by the Dempster Brothers Company of Knoxville, Tennessee)

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dumpster was in 1937

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dumpster.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dumpster. Accessed 30 Apr. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!