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

• 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

The Rockets now possess ample length at four starting positions, amplifying the defensive tools Udoka now has at his disposal. —Kelly Iko, New York Times, 22 June 2025

The implication: Why should taxpayers foot the bill when Harvard has billions at its disposal? —Ata Sarajedini, Sun Sentinel, 22 June 2025

Prescott looks to rebound in 2025 with the new receiver duo of CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens at his disposal, but some are suggesting that patience is running thin within the organization. —Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025

The good news is the Bucks have a few tools at their disposal this summer that weren’t available in years past. —Brian Sampson, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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