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.
Public policies on air quality, waste disposal, and green space maintenance all contribute to a city's overall health. Soo Kim, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 May 2025 And this time, budget-drafters will likely have real revenue numbers at their disposal, from receipts generated by the sale of high-value Utah and Nevada urban-interface BLM sales. Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 14 May 2025 Other new sources of revenue include higher fees for telecom leases at city buildings and higher trash disposal fees. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 May 2025 The president would still have two fully capable Air Force One aircraft at his disposal, ready to go into service when needed. Marisa Garcia, Forbes.com, 13 May 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 23 May. 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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