English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
noun Uncommon

dumpster

DUHMPST

Dumpster (noun) means a large metal container for trash, designed to be emptied by a garbage truck. Example: “The restaurant tossed the spoiled produce into the dumpster out back.”

noun
1
A large metal container for trash, designed to be emptied by a garbage truck.
"The restaurant tossed the spoiled produce into the dumpster out back."

How to use dumpster

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA large trash bin, usually shared by a building or business, emptied by garbage trucks.

Common pairings
dumpster diving dumpster fire

Word forms

dumpsters plural

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “dumpster” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The restaurant tossed the spoiled produce into the _____ out back.

Etymology

Originally a trademarked brand name, blending "dump" with the surname "Dempster" (the company that made the bins); the trademark has since lapsed and the word is now used generically.

Frequently asked questions

What does “dumpster” mean?

The word “dumpster” means a large metal container for trash, designed to be emptied by a garbage truck. In plain terms, a large trash bin, usually shared by a building or business, emptied by garbage trucks.

How do you pronounce “dumpster”?

“Dumpster” is pronounced DUHMPST (/ˈdʌmpstɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “dumpster” in a sentence?

Here is “dumpster” used in a sentence: “The restaurant tossed the spoiled produce into the dumpster out back.”

What part of speech is “dumpster”?

“Dumpster” is a noun.

Is “dumpster” a common word?

“Dumpster” is an uncommon word in modern English.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial