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 There are additional goals for 2024, the report shows, including expanding treatment availability 24-7 and continuing efforts for safe drug disposal. The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024 However, a backlog in the disposal of this type of equipment from the ISS forced NASA to simply toss the batteries inside a cargo pallet using the space station’s robotic arm, which led to their uncontrolled reentry. Passant Rabie / Gizmodo, Quartz, 12 Mar. 2024 Michelina Desiree Goodwin, 46, of Great Mills, was convicted of second-degree murder, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and the unauthorized disposal of a body in the death of 50-year-old James Volodimir Nalborczyk, following an eight-day trial, prosecutors said Thursday. Louis Casiano, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2024 The laser method works by labeling blocks with overlaps as garbage, slated for disposal; other blocks are deemed worthy and will be saved. Quanta Magazine, 7 Mar. 2024 There’s plenty of room to spread out, with a kitchen, living area, and large front porch at your disposal. Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 3 Mar. 2024 This includes manufacturing disposal, a model’s energy source, emissions from manufacturing and the impact of disposal and recycling. Jim Gorzelany, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The company leases a facility connected to Speedway’s treatment plant and brings in various types of waste for pretreatment before disposal. Karl Schneider, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Feb. 2024 Leo Wise said, adding that the millions of dollars at his disposal could help. Matt Hamilton, Los Angeles Times, 26 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'disposal.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1630, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of disposal was in 1630

Dictionary Entries Near disposal

Cite this Entry

“Disposal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/disposal. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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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