What does dumpster mean?
In everyday North American English, a dumpster is a large container used to hold household, construction, or commercial waste until it can be collected. The word can suggest the size and rough, utilitarian character of such containers, and it is occasionally used figuratively for places or online records that accumulate discarded material. “To dumpster” is a less common informal verb meaning to throw something away as unwanted, although the ordinary synonyms “dump,” “discard,” or “throw out” are usually more natural. The term grew out of the verb “dump” and the suffix “-ster.” Although it began as a proprietary name associated with equipment for handling and dumping materials, it became a generic word for a waste container and is now especially characteristic of American usage. British speakers commonly use “rubbish skip” or “skip” for a similar large container, while “rubbish bin” or “dustbin” may refer to a smaller receptacle. The word’s compact, emphonic form and its association with conspicuous urban waste have made it particularly familiar in the United States.
A large, usually freestanding container used to hold household, construction, or commercial waste until it can be collected.
"The building’s waste was piled beside a large dumpster."
Common in North American English; British speakers may say “skip” or “rubbish skip” for a similar container.
To discard or throw away something as if putting it in a dumpster.
"They dumpstered the old office equipment after moving to new desks."
Informal and less common than the verbs “dump,” “discard,” or “throw out.”
The regular plural is “dumpsters.” The form “dumpster’s” is not standard as a plural, though the apostrophe may be used to indicate possession.
"Two dumpsters stood behind the apartment building."
The word began as a proprietary name for a material-handling device, then became the everyday American word for a giant trash bin.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does dumpster come from?
“Dumpster” was formed in English from “dump” and the suffix “-ster.” It originally denoted a proprietary piece of equipment used to lift and dump materials, but it was subsequently adopted as a generic word for a large waste container. The familiar sense is especially established in North American English.
Related word forms
How dumpster is actually used
The noun is everyday in North American English and can sound utilitarian or, figuratively, suggest disorder and accumulated rubbish. The verb is informal and comparatively uncommon. British speakers commonly use “skip” or “rubbish skip” for a similar large container.
Easily confused with dumpster
A dumper is a vehicle or other device that unloads material, whereas a dumpster is a container in which waste is placed.