scrapyard

IPA/ˈskræpjɑːd/
IPA/ˈskræpjɑːrd/

scrapyard — noun

  • scrapyardsingular
  • scrapyardsplural

1. an open area where damaged cars, old machines, and other metal things are kept s

1.nounB2
Definition

an open area where damaged cars, old machines, and other metal things are kept so useful parts or metal can be taken from them and used again.

Example

Christopher wandered through the scrapyard looking for a replacement door handle.

through the scrapyard for searching inside a large site

Antonia sold her crashed scooter to a scrapyard outside the city.

sell something to a scrapyard

Common collocations
  • local scrapyard
  • city scrapyard
  • scrapyard worker
  • scrapyard owner
  • take a car to the scrapyard
Synonyms
  • junkyard

    broader everyday word; can include more general rubbish, not only metal or machines

  • salvage yard

    often used when parts are removed and sold for reuse

  • recycling yard

    emphasizes sorting materials for recycling, not just storing broken vehicles

Grammar Patterns

in/at the scrapyard

take/sell something to the scrapyard

Usage Note

Usually refers to a place dealing with broken vehicles, machinery, or scrap metal. Distinguish from 'junkyard', which can be wider and include non-metal rubbish.

Common Mistakes

I bought new parts in the scrapyard.
I bought used parts at the scrapyard.
things from a scrapyard are typically old or salvaged, not new.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

'Scrapyard' usually suggests a place full of broken cars, metal parts, and heavy machines waiting to be cut up, sorted, or sold again. 'Junkyard' is the looser everyday word and can cover a wider mix of old rubbish, not only metal. 'Salvage yard' is closer to business language and often suggests that usable parts are removed and sold. A 'recycling center' sounds cleaner and more organized, and it may handle paper, glass, and plastic as well as metal. If a mechanic sends you to a scrapyard, you expect rows of damaged vehicles. If your town opens a new recycling center, you picture a public place for sorting household waste.

scrapyard ↗junkyardsalvage yardrecycling center

Common collocations

Nouns

  • scrapyard worker
  • scrapyard owner
  • scrapyard gate

Phrases

  • take something to the scrapyard
  • buy parts from a scrapyard

Prepositions

  • at the scrapyard
  • in the scrapyard
  • through the scrapyard

Etymology

English

This compound was formed in English from 'scrap', meaning small pieces of unwanted metal or other material, and 'yard', meaning an open piece of land used for a practical purpose. The word developed for places where broken vehicles and metal goods are stored, stripped, and sold for reuse.