perishable

adjective

per·​ish·​able ˈper-i-shə-bəl 

ˈpe-ri-

: liable to perish : liable to spoil or decay

such perishable products as fruit, vegetables, butter, and eggs

perishability

ˌper-i-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌpe-ri-

noun

perishable noun

Examples of perishable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Cargo shipments may include anything from general merchandise, like a company’s flower bouquet orders, to dry ice, perishable medicines, parcels, fish, fruit and other goods. — Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 6 Sep. 2026

Since strawberries are highly perishable, spotting any bruising or damage means mold spores have an easier place to begin spreading across the fruit, warns Jared Hibbard-Swanson, a food security and safety program manager. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 30 Aug. 2026

Stock up on non-perishable food, water, hygiene items, and disposable utensils for 3–7 days. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026

The perishable fruits and vegetables were long imported through the Strait of Hormuz to Saudi Arabia’s eastern coasts, now closed by dueling blockades and Iranian demands to extract tolls. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perishable

• imperishable

Kids Definition

perishable

adjective

per·​ish·​able ˈper-ish-ə-bəl 

: likely to spoil or decay

perishable fruit

perishable noun