dumpster

noun

dump·​ster ˈdəm(p)-stər 

variants or less commonly Dumpster

: a large trash receptacle

Examples of dumpster in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lids were left off of exterior garbage dumpster, with several flies swarming the area. — Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating after an infant was found dead inside a dumpster in South Los Angeles on Monday night. — Chelsea Hylton, CBS News, 29 Sep. 2026

The investigation began May 4, 2025, when the city of Riverside officials received reports of a baby crying inside a dumpster. — Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 27 Sep. 2026

According to the prosecutors, Ryan killed the victim and disposed of her body, possibly in a dumpster, but it was never found. — Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

dump entry 1 + -ster (originally in the trademarked name Dempster Dumpster, applied to mechanically loaded refuse containers produced by the Dempster Brothers Company of Knoxville, Tennessee)

First Known Use

1937, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing dumpster

• dumpster diving
• dumpster fire