disposal

noun

dis·​pos·​al di-ˈspō-zəl 

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

b

: regulation, administration

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

Synonyms of disposal

• removal
• dumping

Examples of disposal in a Sentence

the disposal of nuclear waste

trash disposal is on Wednesday in our neighborhood

Recent Examples on the Web

However, conventional disposal tactics like landfills and incineration trigger severe environmental pollution while squandering valuable resources. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026

The Fed has several tools at its disposal to try to influence the economy — but none is more important than the interest rate. — Scott Horsley, NPR, 19 Sep. 2026

NarcX+ test The NarcX+ disposal system is a biodegradable liquid in a plastic bottle, which can be opened and used multiple times until the bottle is full. — Sunny Linnebur, The Conversation, 18 Sep. 2026

The wipes are compostable and septic-safe for all disposal systems, including motorhomes. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing disposal

• at someone's disposal
• garbage disposal
• waste disposal unit

Rhymes for disposal

• petrosal
• proposal
• serosal
• counterproposal

Kids Definition

disposal

noun

dis·​pos·​al dis-ˈpō-zəl 

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

: management sense 1, administration

5

: the transfer of something to a new owner

a disposal of property