disposable

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​pos·​able di-ˈspō-zə-bəl 

1

: subject to or available for disposal

specifically : remaining to an individual after deduction of taxes and necessary living expenses

disposable income

2

: designed to be used once or only a limited number of times and then thrown away

disposable diapers

Replace the disposable razor when the blade becomes dull.

disposability

di-ˌspō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

disposable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is disposable

Examples of disposable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

All that disposable plastic is designed to help keep hospitals and operating rooms sterile, but researchers say there are ways to cut down on waste without endangering patients. —Elizabeth Weise, USA TODAY, 30 Oct. 2024

The saving rate has hovered around 5% of disposable (after-tax) income since the spring of 2023, suggesting that income and consumption have followed each other closely during that period. —Christian Weller, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024

Noun

Holmes likes the sharp stainless steel blades and the overall design which is a little less wasteful than most other disposables. —Marci Robin, Glamour, 31 Oct. 2024

The two best-selling disposables — Breeze and Elf Bar — generated more than $500 million in sales last year, according to Nielsen retail sales data analyzed by Goldman Sachs. —Matthew Perrone, Twin Cities, 12 June 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disposable

• disposable income

Kids Definition

disposable

adjective

dis·​pos·​able

dis-ˈpō-zə-bəl

: made to be thrown away after use

a disposable bottle

disposable diapers