diaper

1 of 2

noun

di·a·per ˈdī-pər

also

ˈdī-ə-

: a fabric with a distinctive pattern:

: a rich silk fabric

: a soft usually white linen or cotton fabric used for tablecloths or towels

: 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

: 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

diaper

2 of 2

verb

diapered; diapering ˈdī-p(ə-)riŋ

transitive verb

: to ornament with diaper designs

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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Access to diapers, wipes and transportation were commonly cited issues among mothers in the program. —

Marin Wolf, Dallas News, 7 May 2023 Esti, meanwhile, only wears a diaper as she is embraced by her mom. —

Rosa Sanchez, Harper's BAZAAR, 6 May 2023 For homeless people seeking shelter, the hospital provides them with blankets and pillows, food, baby formula, and diapers, Bell said. —

Nick Stoico, BostonGlobe.com, 29 Apr. 2023 The pantry is especially in need of larger-sized diapers in sizes 4, 5 and 6, according to the Rotary Club. —

Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 25 Apr. 2023 Founded in 2015 by two local mothers, The Baby Bank works to provide essential items — ranging from diapers and strollers to school uniforms and beds — to families facing financial hardship. —

Stephanie Petit, Peoplemag, 24 Apr. 2023 The only bags that are allowed are ones used for health reasons such as diapers bags, oxygen, breast pumps or other medical necessities. —

Chandra Fleming, Detroit Free Press, 21 Apr. 2023 Carewell is an online company that sells health products like adult diapers, gauze and safety rails for at-home care. —

Lauren J. Mapp, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Apr. 2023 Change a diaper on the go without fear of exposing baby to gross, public surfaces. —

Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2023

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 HealthySteps specialists, often social workers, accompany families with children below 3 on their pediatric visits, monitoring and supporting the babies' development and helping with everything from counselor referrals to diaper drop-offs. —

USA Today, 9 June 2022 This person should have your full authority to wipe the noses of users and diaper the salespeople when needed. —

Gene Marks, Forbes, 7 June 2021 Families spend $75 a month to diaper one child, or 8% of a full-time minimum wage salary, and prices are expected to go up. —

Jennifer Randles, Time, 6 May 2021 And among the Black fathers who do live with their children, a higher percentage of them bathe, dress or diaper their kids compared with White dads, the study found. —

Michelle Singletary, Washington Post, 4 Dec. 2020 The baby shower host had trivia games (guessing lines from popular children's books) and activities for the soon-to-be parents (diapering a doll blindfolded). —

Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 19 May 2020 The more intense care required at this age — diapering, bottle feeding — also can’t be done without almost continual close contact and requires more adults per child, increasing the inherent risk. —

Marshall Allen, ProPublica, 23 May 2020 See More

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

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Diaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diaper. Accessed 2 Jun. 2023.

Copy Citation

Kids Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun

di·a·per ˈdī-(ə-)pər

: 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

: 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

: to decorate with diaper designs

: to put a diaper on

diaper a baby

Medical Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun

di·a·per ˈdī(-ə)-pər

: 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

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