diaper

noun di·a·per \ ˈdī-pər also ˈdī-ə- \

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

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

Al-Masri said one video shows 12-year-old Hassan and his sister Joudi, a one-year-old toddler in diapers, lying motionless on the floor next to a washing machine.

— sarah el sirgany and hilary clarke, CNN, "Gassed where they had hidden, Syrian families killed in minutes," 9 Apr. 2018
The children — a 1-year-old girl and a 7-month-old boy — were found in soiled diapers.

— brandon patterson, Detroit Free Press, "Police: Mother of 2 young children found alone in Detroit motel room turns herself in," 28 Mar. 2018
Getty With the exception of those of us who were born there or brought there in diapers, every one at Traveler remembers their first trip to Europe with surprising clarity.

— cnt editors, Condé Nast Traveler, "Why You Should Skip Paris on Your First Trip to Europe," 23 Mar. 2018
In fact, Garth Brooks, who made the most money last year, was still in diapers when Parton signed with Monument Records at 19.

— maria carter, Country Living, "Here's How Much Money Your Favorite Country Stars Really Make," 13 July 2017
The couple’s sunny Brooklyn apartment was now stocked with a crib and diapers and soft, tiny clothes.

— alex morris, The Cut, "Is it possible to raise your child entirely without gender from birth? Some parents are trying.," 3 Apr. 2018
Toiletries are definitely a welcome contribution, too, including deodorant, shampoo, soap, lotion, sunscreen, body wash, lip balm, feminine hygiene supplies (especially sanitary pads), acne wash, nail care kits, even diapers and pull-ups.

— courtney mcgee, baltimoresun.com, "Spring Drive for Schools to help Towson area, other children in need," 28 Mar. 2018
Today, the organization, Miry’s List, employs six paid staff members and two dozen volunteers who have so far helped 272 families — over 1,500 people around the country — receive shoes, clothes, textbooks, kitchen supplies, diapers and the like.

— tara bahrampour, Washington Post, "Now anyone can easily send items to a U.S. refugee family’s home, thanks to one woman’s ‘mama bear instincts’," 26 Mar. 2018
Just worry about getting that stinky diaper to the trash outside.

— dave hyde, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Hyde: Let me give Heat coach Erik Spoelstra a little fatherly advice | Commentary," 26 Mar. 2018

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

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Other topics will include hand washing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety, interviewing skills and many more topics.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 3 Apr. 2018
Other topics will include hand washing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety, interviewing skills and many more topics.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 3 Apr. 2018
Other topics will include hand washing, diapering, bottle feeding, personal safety, interviewing skills and many more topics.

— Courant Community, "Community News For The Enfield Edition," 20 Mar. 2018
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
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
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

First Known Use of diaper

14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

DIAPER Defined for English Language Learners

diaper

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

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

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