diaper

1 of 2

noun

di·​a·​per ˈdī-pər How to pronounce diaper (audio)
also
ˈdī-ə- How to pronounce diaper (audio)
1
: a fabric with a distinctive pattern:
a
: a rich silk fabric
b
: a soft usually white linen or cotton fabric used for tablecloths or towels
2
: an allover pattern consisting of one or more small repeated units of design (such as geometric figures) connecting with one another or growing out of one another with continuously flowing or straight lines
3
: a basic garment for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist
also : a similar garment especially for incontinent adults

Illustration of diaper

Illustration of diaper
  • diaper 2

diaper

2 of 2

verb

diapered; diapering ˈdī-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce diaper (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to ornament with diaper designs
2
: to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)

Examples of diaper 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.
Noun
Hyperinflation put buying food, diapers and medicine out of reach. Anjeanette Damon, ProPublica, 4 Nov. 2024 Luckily, there are a few signs that your kid is ready to ditch the diapers. Lauren Gelman, Parents, 24 Oct. 2024
Verb
From laundry detergents to diaper pail deodorizers, Arm & Hammer Baby is committed to ensuring that only the highest quality ingredients are used. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023 The Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab evaluates all types of clothing and accessories for parents and parents-to-be, from maternity leggings, maternity jeans and maternity workout clothes to nursing bras to diaper bags and more. Good Housekeeping, 2 Mar. 2023 See all Example Sentences for diaper 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English diapre, from Anglo-French diaspre, from Medieval Latin diasprum

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diaper was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near diaper

Cite this Entry

“Diaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diaper. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun
di·​a·​per ˈdī-(ə-)pər How to pronounce diaper (audio)
1
: a usually white linen or cotton fabric woven in a pattern formed by the repetition of a simple design
also : the design on such cloth
2
: a garment for infants consisting of a piece of absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist

diaper

2 of 2 verb
diapered; diapering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce diaper (audio)
1
: to decorate with diaper designs
2
: to put a diaper on
diaper a baby

Medical Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun
di·​a·​per ˈdī(-ə)-pər How to pronounce diaper (audio)
: a basic garment especially for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist

diaper

2 of 2 transitive verb
diapered; diapering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce diaper (audio)
: to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)

More from Merriam-Webster on diaper

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