diaper

1 of 2

noun

di·​a·​per ˈdī-pər 

also

ˈdī-ə- 

1

: a basic garment for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist to hold body waste

also : a similar garment especially for incontinent adults

2

: 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

3

: 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

Illustration of diaper

• diaper 3

diaper

2 of 2

verb

diapered; diapering ˈdī-p(ə-)riŋ 

transitive verb

1

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

2

: to ornament with diaper designs

Examples of diaper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The course is built to walk parents step-by-step through mastering budget-busting expenses like diapers, wipes, formula, and groceries while building a supportive community of like-minded moms. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 31 July 2026

By early summer, the tents sag like dirty diapers from the undersides of boughs. — Ben Crair, New Yorker, 31 July 2026

Verb

Aging demographics are reshaping everything from retirement plans and immigration patterns to diaper sales and popular ideals about beauty. — Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 May 2025

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

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 2

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Phrases Containing diaper

• diaper rash

Rhymes for diaper

• hyper
• piper
• riper
• sniper
• viper
• wiper
• sandpiper

Kids Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun

di·​a·​per ˈdī-(ə-)pər 

1

: 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

2

: 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 

1

: to decorate with diaper designs

2

: 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)