1
: made to be used once or only a few times : made to be thrown away after one use or several uses
disposable diapers/razors
2
somewhat formal
: available to be used
disposable resources/assets
I don't have enough disposable income [=income that is left after paying taxes and for things that are essential, such as food and housing] to buy such luxuries.
plural disposables
: something that is made to be thrown away after it is used once
—usually plural
Do you use cloth diapers or disposables? [=disposable diapers]
Cite this Entry
“Disposable.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/disposable. Accessed 15 Jun. 2026.
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