diaper

noun di·a·per \ ˈdī-pər also ˈdī-ə- \

|Updated on: 16 Jun 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

This meant only mothers got up at night with crying babies and toddlers; dads never changed diapers or got involved in the nitty-gritty of bedtime baths and other basic child behavior training and nurturing until children were ready for school.

— marcy meffert, San Antonio Express-News, "Dads no longer tied to outdated roles," 8 June 2018
Us back in a far corner of the store looking for diapers for my baby, near the car seats and baby swings.

— nicole phillip, New York Times, "9 People Reveal a Time They Racially Stereotyped a Stranger," 25 May 2018
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office said people have sent donations of clothing, diapers, toys and other items for Bradley since he was rescued.

— everton bailey jr., OregonLive.com, "Dad accused of abandoning baby in Oregon woods suspected of taking child from grandma," 16 May 2018
The Baltimore celebrators received gift bags with diapers, shampoo and other items that came from donations.

— Fox News, "Veterans Affairs uses baby showers to feature maternity care," 8 May 2018
By the time Lux-Lee opened the floor to a Q. & A., a good number of attendees were on the floor, some changing diapers, others gnawing on stuffed animals.

— sophie brickman, The New Yorker, "Talking Arms Control with Babes in Arms," 7 May 2018
Larceny, theft; Lander Road: A resident reported that a large box of diapers costing $42 was stolen from either the front or back door after Fed Ex left deliveries at both between April 18 and 23.

— thomas jewell, cleveland.com, "Ex-wife's brother tags along -- with body armor: Orange Police Blotter," 26 Apr. 2018
Bill continued working from home for a while until their children were both out of diapers.

— sarah einselen, The Seattle Times, "Logansport jeweler marks 25th anniversary of family business," 21 Apr. 2018
Read More: Swapping chicken for diapers amid Venezuela’s shortages There are also low-tech solutions to hyperinflation.

— jim wyss, miamiherald, "Venezuela scrambles amid economic collapse - and comes up with a crypto coin | Miami Herald," 21 Feb. 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," 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," 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

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