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

Whole grain flours are more perishable and usually last only two to three months in the pantry. —Hannah Lee Leidy, Bon Appetit Magazine, 13 Mar. 2026

The school community is accepting donations of essential items, including water, non-perishable food, and hygiene items. —Todd Feurer, CBS News, 12 Mar. 2026

Over the same time, operators of the port’s five container terminals will also offer an 80 percent rebate on extra charges for refrigerated containers loaded with perishable goods. —Glenn Taylor, Sourcing Journal, 11 Mar. 2026

The main risk is higher prices for perishable foods vulnerable to supply shocks. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 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