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

Residents in Highland Park, Highwood, Fort Sheridan, and parts of Deerfield and Lake Forest were asked to leave non-perishable food in their mailboxes ahead of Saturday, May 9, for letter carriers to pick up. —Elyssa Kaufman, CBS News, 9 May 2026

The biggest increases will be to inexpensive, perishable goods such as potatoes and onions, as well as fertilizer-intensive goods such as tomatoes. —Wes Zebrowski, Chicago Tribune, 8 May 2026

But someone drove something perishable and fragile to your door on a schedule, which is a service. —Cori Sears, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 May 2026

If perishable food or beverages are stored for an extended period, pressure can build up and cause the stopper to forcefully eject when the container is opened. —Francie Ebert, NBC news, 1 May 2026

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