upcycle

[ uhp-sahy-kuhl ]

verb (used with object)

, up·cy·cled, up·cy·cling.

1. to process (used goods or waste material) so as to produce something that is often better than the original: Compare downcycle ( def 2 ).

   I upcycled a stained tablecloth into curtains.

verb (used without object)

, up·cy·cled, up·cy·cling.

1. to process goods or material so as to produce something that is often better than the original:

   Several new companies whose purpose is to upcycle have sprung up recently.

noun

1. Economics. a period or cycle during which business activity or profitability is at a high point:

   The whole industry has entered an upcycle.

Other Words From

• up·cy·cler noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of upcycle¹

First recorded in 1990–95; up + (re)cycle

Example Sentences

It is a clever way to upcycle materials that may otherwise end up in landfills.

From Seattle Times

“The increase in geo-political tensions around the world is driving a fundamental rearmament upcycle which is expected to last for at least the next decade,” said Chemring chief executive Michael Ord.

From BBC

In each episode, contestants — or “disrupters” as they’re called — are challenged to reuse materials and upcycle fashion for unique looks meant to impress Roach, Fox and a guest judge.

From Seattle Times

"We take them in, we sort them, we take garments off them, or maybe the fabric is really lovely but damaged, and then we upcycle them," she said.

From BBC

The researchers say their work offers a simple yet efficient method to upcycle cardboard to create more environmentally friendly packaging materials.

From Science Daily