landfill

noun

land·​fill ˈlan(d)-ˌfil How to pronounce landfill (audio)
Synonyms of landfillnext
1
: an area built up by landfill
2
: a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth to build up low-lying land

called also sanitary landfill

landfill transitive verb

Synonyms of landfill

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Examples of landfill in a Sentence

using landfill to dispose of trash Part of the city was built on landfill.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
At the time, RTCM said the deal would expand its capacity and support a goal of diverting 100 million pounds of textiles from landfills annually. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 19 Oct. 2026 According to the state’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, leaves are considered a mandatory recyclable item in Connecticut, meaning that they cannot be disposed in a landfill or incinerator. — Stephen Underwood, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026 Pumpkin Smash is designed to promote composting and keep waste out of landfills, according to the forest district. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 Vereb is accused of taking grieving families' money to perform cremations for their deceased pets, but instead throwing the pets' bodies into landfills, and returning unknown ashes to the owners. — Tory Wegerski, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for landfill

Word History

First Known Use

1903, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of landfill was in 1903

Phrases Containing landfill

Rhymes for landfill

See All Rhymes for landfill

Browse Nearby Words

landfast
landfill
landflood
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Cite this Entry

“Landfill.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/landfill. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

landfill

noun
land·​fill -ˌfil How to pronounce landfill (audio)
1
: a system of trash and garbage disposal in which the waste is buried between layers of earth
2
: an area built up by landfill
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