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

Wipe it off with a disposable item, and toss that in your trash bag. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 14 Jan. 2025

Reliable, reusable items are seen as less wasteful and more cost-effective over time compared to cheaper, disposable alternatives. —Allbusiness, Forbes, 9 Jan. 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

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