disposable

1 of 2

adjective

dis·​pos·​able di-ˈspō-zə-bəl 

1

: subject to or available for disposal

specifically : remaining to an individual after deduction of taxes and necessary living expenses

disposable income

2

: designed to be used once or only a limited number of times and then thrown away

disposable diapers

Replace the disposable razor when the blade becomes dull.

disposability

di-ˌspō-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

disposable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is disposable

Examples of disposable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The former is fun but fairly disposable; the latter follows a scientist and a teacher who are trying to understand—and protect—a girl infected with the parasitic fungus that turned most of mankind into zombies. —James Grebey, Time, 20 June 2025

Graham shared a similar sentiment when speaking with PEOPLE in 2024, clapping back against the societal message that women are undesirable or disposable in their 50s. —Brenton Blanchet, People.com, 20 June 2025

Noun

So, say goodbye to disposables and opt for a reusable option. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 17 May 2025

Water refill stations, LED lighting with dimmers, glassware instead of disposables, and a table linen reuse program further minimize the property’s carbon footprint. —Ashlee Marie Preston, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1643, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1963, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing disposable

• disposable income

Rhymes for disposable

• decomposable
• indecomposable
• transposable

Kids Definition

disposable

adjective

dis·​pos·​able

dis-ˈpō-zə-bəl

: made to be thrown away after use

a disposable bottle

disposable diapers