perishable

1 of 2

adjective

per·​ish·​able ˈper-i-shə-bəl 

ˈpe-ri-

: liable to perish : liable to spoil or decay

such perishable products as fruit, vegetables, butter, and eggs

perishability

ˌper-i-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌpe-ri-

noun

perishable noun

perishability

2 of 2

noun

per·​ish·​abil·​i·​ty ˌperə̇shəˈbilətē 

-rēsh-, 

-lətē, 

-i

plural -es

: the quality or condition of being perishable

Examples of perishable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Carvel had paid for his rig and his highly perishable freight with a $15 loan from his future wife, Agnes Stewart, and had grand plans. — Nathan King, airmail.news, 9 July 2026

The policy says perishable items and trash will be thrown away. — Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026

Keep coolers filled with ice and in the shade, especially any that hold perishable foods. — Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 2 July 2026

Spinach Spinach is highly perishable and begins losing nutrients soon after harvest. — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for perishable

• imperishable

Kids Definition

perishable

adjective

per·​ish·​able ˈper-ish-ə-bəl 

: likely to spoil or decay

perishable fruit

perishable noun