spoilage

spoil·age | \ ˈspȯi-lij

How to pronounce spoilage (audio)

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Definition of spoilage

1 : the act or process of spoiling especially : the process of decay in foodstuffs

2 : something spoiled or wasted

3 : loss by spoilage

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Examples of spoilage in a Sentence

The milk should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem

Recent Examples on the Web Our son’s family regained their power by mid-afternoon with no food spoilage, thank goodness. — Mary Jane Brewer, cleveland, "The Brewer family continues to weather the coronavirus pandemic," 13 Apr. 2020 To prevent spoilage and ensure the right consistency, hang the basturma someplace dry that doesn’t exceed 70 degrees Fahrenheit. — Popular Science, "Basturma, baby! Make your own Armenian charcuterie.," 17 Mar. 2020 That’s because they’ve been treated by heat and/or dried in order to kill any microorganisms that can cause spoilage or foodborne illness, and then packaged in sterile, airtight containers like cans, bottles, pouches, and cartons, the USDA explains. — Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, "21 Shelf-Stable Foods for Your Emergency Food Supply," 4 Mar. 2020 Maersk has responded with a $1,000-per-container fee for electricity to prevent spoilage before trucks can be found to ship the food inland. — Keith Bradsher, New York Times, "Virus Disrupts China’s Shipping, and World Ports Feel the Impact," 27 Feb. 2020 To ship game and fish, use dry ice exclusively to prevent water spoilage of trophies. — Michael R. Shea, Field & Stream, "The 12 Best Hunting and Fishing Coolers," 7 Nov. 2019 Fermentation relies on microbes, such as bacteria, yeast and fungi, increasing the acidity of the food to protect it against spoilage. — John Morrissey, Quartz, "A chance encounter between a fruit fly and a pail of milk gave us cheese," 11 Dec. 2019 Ashley Urjil-Mills and her husband, Brent, opened the custom cut cheese counter this month hoping to cut back on spoilage and amp up the variety for local cheese lovers. — Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, "You'll melt over how 'gouda' is Louisville's newest custom cheese shop," 23 Oct. 2019 Nearly everyone has had to get out the flashlights and pack up coolers with food to prevent spoilage. — Jared Porche, Houston Chronicle, "GHBA Remodelers Council: Focus on power your life depends on," 28 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spoilage.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near spoilage

spoiled for choice

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Last Updated

7 May 2020

Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoilage. Accessed 3 Jun. 2020.

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