perishable

adjective

per·​ish·​able ˈper-i-shə-bəl How to pronounce perishable (audio)
ˈpe-ri-
Synonyms of perishablenext
: liable to perish : liable to spoil or decay
such perishable products as fruit, vegetables, butter, and eggs
perishability
ˌper-i-shə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce perishable (audio)
ˌpe-ri-
noun
perishable noun

Examples of perishable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Stock up on non-perishable food, water, hygiene items, and disposable utensils for 3–7 days. — Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2026 The perishable fruits and vegetables were long imported through the Strait of Hormuz to Saudi Arabia’s eastern coasts, now closed by dueling blockades and Iranian demands to extract tolls. — Taylor Luck, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Aug. 2026 During weekend camping trips, lunch meat and other perishable foods need to stay cold for a couple of days. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 15 Aug. 2026 Teams distributed water, non-perishable food, N95 masks, toiletries and phone chargers, while a mobile medical van provided basic health checks. — Brendan Le, PEOPLE, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for perishable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perishable was in the 15th century

Rhymes for perishable

See All Rhymes for perishable

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Perishable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perishable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

perishable

adjective
per·​ish·​able ˈper-ish-ə-bəl How to pronounce perishable (audio)
: likely to spoil or decay
perishable fruit
perishable noun

More from Merriam-Webster on perishable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for perishable

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