diaper

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noun di·a·per \ ˈdī-pər also ˈdī-ə- \

Definition of diaper

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

See diaper defined for English-language learners

See diaper defined for kids

Recent Examples of diaper from the Web

Organizers are asking for bottled water, bleach, Clorox wipes, sports drinks and diapers.

— steve zimmerman, Daily Southtown, "Orland-area students getting an education in how to help," 30 Aug. 2017
The supplies being requested include: • Baby diapers • Baby formula • Baby clothes •

— manny navarro, miamiherald, "Miami Dolphins with ties to Houston push hurricane relief," 30 Aug. 2017
Texas Diaper Bank This nonprofit is still in need of diapers, pull-ups, and adult incontinence underwear for evacuees across Texas.

— Southern Living, "Hurricane Harvey Evacuees Need Diapers and Here's How You Can Help," 29 Aug. 2017
Houston Chronicle The Chronicle's suggestions include organizations raising money for school supplies, food, water, blood, diapers and baby supplies, places to stay and various crowd-sourcing and celebrity fundraisers.

— marie simoneaux, NOLA.com, "Here's where Texans are donating to help Texas flood victims," 29 Aug. 2017
Diapers to diplomas Enrollment at the 50-year-old Nampa Christian School has held at around 650 students for the past several years.

— anna webb, idahostatesman, "Take or leave the religious part, these schools try to please their customers," 15 Aug. 2017
None of the company's products, like Pampers diapers, Tide detergent or Crest toothpaste, are shown.

— kansascity, "Procter & Gamble takes calculated risk with ‘The Talk’ ad," 11 Aug. 2017
Diapers cost money — and food, and clothing, and shelter cost money.

— lauren duca, Teen Vogue, "Dear Democrats, Equality is Impossible Without Reproductive Rights," 3 Aug. 2017
Traditional items such as shirts, pants, skirts, sweaters, dresses and shoes are included, but so are disposable diapers, formal wear and wedding apparel.

— cincinnati enquirer, Cincinnati.com, "Ohio sales tax holiday: What you need to know," 20 July 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diaper.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of diaper

Origin and Etymology of diaper

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

diaper

verb

Definition of diaper

diapered; diapering play \-p(ə-)riŋ\

transitive verb

1 :to ornament with diaper designs

2 :to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)

See diaper defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of diaper from the Web

The program taught special techniques used in feeding, diapering and holding the babies, as well as putting nipples on bottles, making beds and sanitizing equipment.

— joan giangrasse kates, chicagotribune.com, "Mary Shelton, nurse who worked with premature babies, dies at 92," 28 Aug. 2017
The sophomores, juniors and seniors clothed, diapered, fed and played with the children.

— charlotteobserver, "Charlotte Catholic students minister to the poor in Jamaica," 9 May 2017
Providing additional support through those tough early months, Newborn Care Specialists, or NCSs, provide special insight from diapering to circumcision care to help make the transition easier.

— jenna l. jones, Orange County Register, "If you have new baby and haven’t slept in a week, try this!," 21 Apr. 2017
To the cloth diapering mom: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account.

— madison alcedo, Woman's Day, "This Woman's Viral Post Calls for an End to Mom-Shaming," 17 Mar. 2017
To the cloth diapering mom: Fluffy bums are the cutest, and so friendly on the bank account.

— mallory schlossberg, Redbook, "This Mom Is Going Viral for Her Post About What Being a Good Mom Really Looks Like," 15 Mar. 2017

First Known Use of diaper

14th century

DIAPER Defined for English Language Learners

diaper

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noun

Definition of diaper for English Language Learners

: a piece of cloth or other material that is placed between a baby's legs and fastened around the waist to hold body waste

diaper

verb

Definition of diaper for English Language Learners

: to put a diaper on (someone)

DIAPER Defined for Kids

diaper

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noun di·a·per \ ˈdī-pər , ˈdī-ə-pər \

Definition of diaper for Students

:a piece of absorbent material for a baby worn pulled up between the legs and fastened around the waist

Medical Dictionary

diaper

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noun di·a·per \ ˈdī(-ə)-pər \

medical Definition of diaper

: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