wastepaper basket
Definition
Noun: A container, typically with an open top, designed to hold discarded paper and other small items of rubbish.
Usage
The term "wastepaper basket" refers specifically to a receptacle, often placed in an office, study, or home, for the temporary disposal of paper waste and similar small trash items. It is a common piece of furniture or organizational item.
Examples
- Please throw those old drafts in the wastepaper basket.
- The office provides a wastepaper basket under every desk.
- She found the important letter crumpled at the bottom of the wastepaper basket.
Advanced Usage
- "To end up in the wastepaper basket": To be discarded or rejected.
- Many first attempts at writing a novel end up in the wastepaper basket.
Variants and Related Words
- Wastebasket (noun): A common synonym, often used interchangeably with "wastepaper basket," though it may imply a slightly broader use for general small trash.
- Trash can (noun): A more general term, often larger and used for a wider variety of refuse, typically in kitchens or outdoors.
- Bin (noun): A general British English term for a container for rubbish.
- Circular file (noun, humorous/jargon): A humorous or office jargon term for a wastepaper basket.
Synonyms
- Wastebasket
- Trash can (US)
- Rubbish bin (UK)
- Bin
Related Phrases/Idioms
- "File in the circular file": To throw something away.
- After reading the useless memo, he promptly filed it in the circular file.
Noun
-
a container with an open top; for discarded paper and other rubbish
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
Từ gần giống
Từ chứa "wastepaper basket"
