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
Noun
Nevada Question 5 is straightforward for Nevada voters: whether to exempt diapers from the state sales tax (adult and child diapers are included). Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Likewise, after changing the diaper of an infected child, E. coli in the fecal matter could spread to food. Mustafa Fattah, NBC News, 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 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diaper.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 4 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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