a large container or enclosed space for storing something in bulk, such as coal, grain, or wool
Also called: bread bin. a small container for bread
Also called: dustbin. rubbish bin. a container for litter, rubbish, etc
a storage place for bottled wine
one particular bottling of wine
(tr) to store in a bin
(tr) to put in a wastepaper bin
What does bin- mean? Bin- is a combining form used like a prefix, and it means “two” or “two at a time.” While it appears in a variety of scientific terms, it’s also easily recognizable in everyday terms. Bin- comes from the Latin bīnī, meaning “two each” or “by twos.”Bin- is related to the combining form bi- and is used with some words or word elements beginning with vowels. These two forms have similar origins, and for that reason, the difference between the two is a small yet important nuance: bin- tends to mean “double,” while bi- often means “twice.” Want to know more? Read our Words That Use bi- article.
before 950; Middle English binne, Old English binn ( e ) crib, perhaps < Celtic; compare Welsh benn cart
Combining form of Latin bīnī two each, by twos
A bin is a box or other lidded container. You might store onions and potatoes in a vegetable bin in your kitchen. The noun bin is especially good for describing a specific kind of container, like a toy bin at a preschool or a compost bin on the counter. Bin is more commonly used in Britain than in the United States — a Londoner might say, "Oh, just throw that in the bin," while a New Yorker is more likely to say, "Throw it in the trash," or "Toss it in the garbage." The root word is the Old English binne, "basket."
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dubai Public Prosecution told the BBC that Zenab Javadli was detained following a complaint made by the father of her three children - her former husband, Sheikh Saeed bin Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026
More and more EU countries are being thrown in the public spending sin bin over their mushrooming deficits, with Bulgaria expected to be added Wednesday.
From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026
Instead—during a summer when other players were inking deals north of $250 million—Brunson sat in the NBA’s bargain bin, and the Knicks could scoop him at just the 46th-highest salary in the league.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 2, 2026
Those sponsored leaflets and postcard mailers that end up as makeshift coasters, mosquito swatters or unread refuse that goes straight from the mailbox into the blue recycle bin.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
They had to leap over a trash bin at the far end.
From "Trouble at the Arcade (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #1)" by Franklin W. Dixon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
