perishable

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

Examples of perishable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The kit must contain water, non-perishable food, hygiene items, and medications, if necessary, as well as flashlights. —Osmary Hernández, CNN Money, 6 Dec. 2025

Carry a windshield scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, flashlight, cell phone, blanket and additional warm clothing, drinking water, and high-calorie non-perishable food. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 6 Dec. 2025

The spot is also collecting non-perishable food items in exchange for discounts on cocktails, with a goal of donating 250 pounds of food. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 3 Dec. 2025

Gifts and non-perishable food items can also be dropped off at any Aurora Public Library branch. —Tori Mason, CBS News, 3 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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