disposal

noun

dis·​pos·​al di-ˈspō-zəl 

1

: the power or authority to make use of as one chooses : the power or authority to dispose of something

The car was at my disposal.

2

: the act or process of disposing: such as

a

: orderly placement or distribution

the disposal of troops along the ridge

b

: regulation, administration

c

: the act or action of presenting or bestowing (see bestow sense 4) something

disposal of favors

the disposal of property

d

: systematic destruction

especially : destruction or transformation of garbage

trash disposal

the disposal of nuclear waste

3

[garbage disposal unit] : a device used to reduce waste matter (as by grinding)

putting food scraps down the disposal

Synonyms

• discarding
• disposition
• dumping
• jettison
• junking
• removal
• riddance
• scrapping
• throwing away

Examples of disposal in a Sentence

the disposal of nuclear waste

trash disposal is on Wednesday in our neighborhood

Recent Examples on the Web

The average mattress has a lifespan of about 14 years, from manufacture to consumer disposal, according to MRC. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 20 Oct. 2024

At this stage there are rumours of adjustments such as taxes on ‘higher than average’ dividends and more expansive taxes on real estate disposals. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 18 Oct. 2024

That suggested to her that the RNA wasn’t ending up in the EVs by chance, and that the process wasn’t just waste disposal. —Annie Melchor, WIRED, 13 Oct. 2024

Just keep in mind that there may be a disposal fee, so make sure to contact the location ahead of time to get all the details. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing disposal

• at someone's disposal
• garbage disposal
• waste disposal unit

Kids Definition

disposal

noun

dis·​pos·​al dis-ˈpō-zəl 

1

: the right or power to use or control something : command

funds at our disposal

2

: an orderly arrangement

the disposal of troops for battle

3

: a getting rid of or putting out of the way

trash disposal

4

: management sense 1, administration

5

: the transfer of something to a new owner

a disposal of property