disposable

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​pos·​able di-ˈspō-zə-bəl How to pronounce disposable (audio)
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 noun

disposable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is disposable

Examples of disposable in a Sentence

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.
Adjective
In this high-concept action movie with a zany dark heart, labor exploitation hits a new low when workers, or at least their physical forms, become literally disposable. Beatrice Loayza, New York Times, 21 Feb. 2025 The first round in April 2020 provided up to $1,200 per eligible adult, significantly increasing disposable personal income and leading to a surge in the personal savings rate, which reached a record high of 33.7% in April 2020. Shahar Ziv, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025
Noun
Beyond disposables, TRĒHouse offers a variety of vaping products, including oil vape pens and dab pens, ensuring something for everyone. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025 Fast-food chains, led by McDonald’s, adopted these disposables en masse, replacing reusable dishes and cutlery to save costs. David Carlin, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024 See All Example Sentences for disposable

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of disposable was in 1643

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Cite this Entry

“Disposable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposable. Accessed 2 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

disposable

adjective
dis·​pos·​able
dis-ˈpō-zə-bəl
: made to be thrown away after use
a disposable bottle
disposable diapers

More from Merriam-Webster on disposable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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