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

Store In The Refrigerator Raspberries are highly perishable, so store them in the refrigerator as soon as possible. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 25 Apr. 2026

Until those fees are paid, owners may only remove essential items such as cash, a checkbook, a driver’s license, perishable goods, medication and tools needed for work. —Mike Stunson, USA Today, 23 Apr. 2026

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. —Ca Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2026

Check on which perishable items are left over and need to be used up first, then plan your list around those items first, Maxine Sharf, author of the recipe Substack Maxi’s Kitchen, said. —Hali Smith april 20, Idaho Statesman, 20 Apr. 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