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

Beyond landfill degradation and disposal, Hyphyn’s performance and environmental integrity have been verified by a series of third-party tests. —Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 9 Oct. 2025

The all-new X1 makes deucing in the woods more convenient than before with a telescopic body that lifts to residential-grade height and a dry flush system that auto-processes waste for easy disposal. —New Atlas, 9 Oct. 2025

Each disposable tray has a plastic lining to protect against leaks and even has a lid for simple disposal when the time comes. —Christine Persaud, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

What Walmart Shoppers Should Do Walmart urges all customers to check recent purchases against the recall lists and to follow manufacturer and agency instructions for disposal, return, or refund. —Daniel Orton, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 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