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

What women and girls often lack is confidence, and Jessie Krebs is a gentle and persistent teacher of that perishable quality. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 19 Mar. 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. —Nc Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 16 Mar. 2026

Denver International Airport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas are requesting donations of items, including grocery and gas gift cards, non-perishable food, hygiene products and infant supplies. —Amanda Musa, CNN Money, 16 Mar. 2026

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

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