What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hamper
Example
She carried the laundry in a hamper. [hamper: noun]
Example
The bad weather hampered our travel plans. [hampered: verb]
Example
The company sent a hamper of chocolates and wine as a thank you gift. [hamper: noun]
bin
Example
Please put the empty cans in the recycling bin. [bin: noun]
Example
He organized his tools in the storage bin. [bin: noun]
Example
The recipe calls for two cups of milk, which is equivalent to one pint or 0.47 liters. [bin: unit of measurement]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Bin is more commonly used than hamper in everyday language. Bin is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while hamper is less common and has a more specific use.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hamper and bin?
Both hamper and bin are generally informal words, but hamper can be used in a more formal context when referring to a gift basket or decorative container.
