Definition

1. Noun:

   • A container for storing or holding things, often with a lid: A "bin" is typically a receptacle used for storage, disposal, or collection of items like waste, recycling, or other materials.
   • A large container for bulk storage: In industrial or commercial contexts, a "bin" can refer to a large storage unit for items like grain, coal, or parts.
   • (Banking) An identification number for a financial institution: A Bank Identification Number (BIN) is a numerical code, part of a payment card number, that identifies the issuing bank or institution.

2. Verb:

   • To store or dispose of something in a bin: The action of placing items into a bin for storage or disposal.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • Please throw the paper in the recycling bin.
  • The factory stores raw materials in large steel bins.
  • The first six digits of your credit card are the BIN.

• Verb:

  • We need to bin these old documents for shredding.
  • The workers binned the harvested apples.

Advanced Usage

• "to bin something" (informal, especially British English): To discard or reject something; to throw something away.
  • The editor decided to bin my article. (The editor decided to reject/throw away my article.)
• "dustbin" / "trash bin" / "rubbish bin": Specific types of containers for waste.
  • He took the trash bin out to the curb.

Variants and Related Words

• Dustbin (n): A container for household waste; a trash can.
• Recycling bin (n): A container for items to be recycled.
• Binning (n/gerund): The act of storing or discarding in bins.
• BIN (acronym): Bank Identification Number.

Synonyms

• Container: A general term for an object used to hold something.
• Receptacle: A formal word for a container.
• Canister: A small container, often cylindrical, for holding a specific substance.
• Discard (verb synonym for 'to bin'): To get rid of something.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: 'Bin' is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb 'bin' is typically used transitively.) - Bin off (slang, chiefly UK): To end a relationship with someone; to discard or abandon. - He binned off his old friends when he became famous.

Related Idioms

• "Bin day": The day when waste is collected from bins.
  • Don't forget to put the bins out; it's bin day tomorrow.
• "To have a memory like a sieve/a bin" (informal, humorous): To have a very poor memory; to forget things easily. (Note: "sieve" is more common than "bin" in this idiom).
  • I need to write it down; I have a memory like a bin.

Noun

1. an identification number consisting of a two-part code assigned to banks and savings associations; the first part shows the location and the second identifies the bank itself
2. the quantity contained in a bin
3. a container; usually has a lid

Verb

1. store in bins