Reusable Bag: Definition, Uses & Benefits

Meaning 1：reusable bag (reusable bag)

reusable bag 🔊

/ˌriːˈjuːzəbl bæɡ/

A bag made of strong material that you can use many times instead of throwing it away after one use.

Reusable canvas bag filled with fresh vegetables on wooden table

reusable bag 🔊

➕

/ˌriːˈjuːzəbl bæɡ/

A durable bag designed for multiple uses, typically made from cloth, canvas, or recycled materials, reducing waste compared to single-use plastic or paper bags.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

re- (again) + use (to employ) + -able (capable of) → a bag that can be used again.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 're-use-able' — a bag you can use over and over, saving the world one trip at a time.

📖 Example

Before heading to the farmers' market, she always checks if she has her colorful reusable bags. 🔊 Before heading to the farmers' market, she always checks if she has her colorful reusable bags.

🔗 Collocations

foldable reusable bag – A reusable bag that can be folded into a small size for easy carrying.

eco-friendly reusable bag – A reusable bag made from environmentally sustainable materials.

heavy-duty reusable bag – A reusable bag designed to carry heavy items without tearing.

🔄 Synonyms

tote bag (n.) – A large, often unfastened bag with parallel handles, commonly used for shopping or carrying items.

shopping bag (n.) – A bag used for carrying purchases, often made of plastic, paper, or fabric, but reusable ones are typical.

eco-bag (n.) – A bag marketed as environmentally friendly, usually reusable and made from natural or recycled materials.

🚫 Antonyms

single-use bag (n.) – A bag intended to be used only once, usually made of thin plastic or paper.

disposable bag (n.) – A bag designed to be thrown away after a single use, contributing to waste.

plastic grocery bag (n.) – A thin plastic bag given at stores, typically used once and then discarded.

🌱 Derivatives

reusability (n.) – The quality of being able to be used again, especially for bags or containers.

reusable (adj.) – Capable of being used multiple times.

single-use (adj.) – Intended for one use only; the opposite of reusable.

📖 Cultural Story

The term 'reusable bag' gained prominence in the 2000s with the global push to reduce plastic waste, especially after single-use plastic bag bans in many countries.