disposal

noun

dis·​pos·​al di-ˈspō-zəl How to pronounce disposal (audio)
1
: the power or authority to make use of as one chooses : the power or authority to dispose of something
The car was at my disposal.
2
: the act or process of disposing: such as
a
: orderly placement or distribution
the disposal of troops along the ridge
c
: the act or action of presenting or bestowing (see bestow sense 4) something
disposal of favors
the disposal of property
d
: systematic destruction
especially : destruction or transformation of garbage
trash disposal
the disposal of nuclear waste
3
[garbage disposal unit] : a device used to reduce waste matter (as by grinding)
putting food scraps down the disposal

Examples of disposal in a Sentence

the disposal of nuclear waste trash disposal is on Wednesday in our neighborhood
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Numerous violations found through the years As science discovered more and more problems arising from improper disposal of toxic chemicals, the laws evolved and became more strict — and facilities like Wayne Disposal found themselves in frequent noncompliance. Keith Matheny, Freep.com, 3 July 2025 Yet despite all these tools at their disposal, many small business owners remain dependent on agency models that limit autonomy. Kaitlyn Gomez, USA Today, 3 July 2025 Finally, a group of guest columnists wrote about the need for Tennessee to consider changes to its bail system – one that unfairly impacts low-risk, nonviolent offenders who have little cash at their disposal, while allowing the wealthy to buy their release. Andrea Williams, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025 As a result the Red Sox have a full bullpen at their disposal heading into Thursday’s off-day. Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for disposal

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disposal was in 1630

Cite this Entry

“Disposal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposal. Accessed 8 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

disposal

noun
dis·​pos·​al dis-ˈpō-zəl How to pronounce disposal (audio)
1
: the right or power to use or control something : command
funds at our disposal
2
: an orderly arrangement
the disposal of troops for battle
3
: a getting rid of or putting out of the way
trash disposal
4
5
: the transfer of something to a new owner
a disposal of property

More from Merriam-Webster on disposal

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