spoilage

noun

spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij How to pronounce spoilage (audio)
1
: the act or process of spoiling
especially : the process of decay in foodstuffs
2
: something spoiled or wasted
3
: loss by spoilage

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 Moreover, sectors dealing with perishable goods and healthcare logistics face hurdles like refrigeration and the necessity for prompt deliveries to avoid spoilage. Nishith Rastogi, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 Grocers lose an average of $70 million a year to perishable food spoilage alone, causing significant income erosion. Michelle Liang, Fortune, 16 Jan. 2024 Truckloads of junk food, or supermarket produce verging on spoilage. Shane Mitchell, Saveur, 6 Dec. 2023 Technology will also play a big role, including refrigerators with food inventory technology—some that can even make menu and shopping recommendations—as well as emergency power sources to prevent spoilage. Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Dec. 2023 How To Store Southern Buttermilk Pie Buttermilk pie should be kept in the fridge in an airtight container to prevent spoilage and is best for three to four days after baking. Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2023 Sulfites are a chemical preservative added to wine to protect against spoilage and keep wine stable during shipping and storage. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2022 It’s considered safe for humans but isn’t widely used anymore because food safety organizations objected to its potential for masking meat spoilage. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Sep. 2023 It’s got a powerful sealer that’s great at removing the air that causes mold, freezer burn, and food spoilage. Adria Greenhauff, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Dec. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'spoilage.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoilage was in 1597

Dictionary Entries Near spoilage

Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoilage. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

spoilage

noun
spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij How to pronounce spoilage (audio)
: the action of spoiling or the condition of being spoiled

More from Merriam-Webster on spoilage

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