diaper

[ dahy-per, dahy-uh-per ]

noun

1. a piece of cloth or other absorbent material folded and worn as underpants by a baby not yet toilet-trained.
2. Also called diaper cloth. a linen or cotton fabric with a woven pattern of small, constantly repeated figures, as diamonds.
3. Also called diaper pattern. such a pattern, originally used in the Middle Ages in weaving silk and gold.

verb (used with object)

1. to put a diaper on.
2. to ornament with a diaperlike pattern.

diaper

/ ˈdaɪəpə /

noun

1. a piece of soft material, esp towelling or a disposable material, wrapped around a baby in order to absorb its excrement Also called (in Britain and certain other countries)nappy
2. 1. a woven pattern on fabric consisting of a small repeating design, esp diamonds
   2. fabric having such a pattern
   3. such a pattern, used as decoration

verb

1. tr to decorate with such a pattern

Other Words From

• un·dia·pered adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of diaper¹

1300–50; Middle English diapre < Anglo-French dia(s)p(r)e < Medieval Latin diasprus made of diaper < Medieval Greek díaspros pure white, equivalent to Greek di- di- ³( def ) + Medieval Greek áspros white

Word History and Origins

Origin of diaper¹

C14: from Old French diaspre, from Medieval Latin diasprus made of diaper, from Medieval Greek diaspros pure white, from dia- + aspros white, shining

Example Sentences

It’s hard to beat the convenience of pouches — they’re easy to throw in a diaper bag or hand to a screaming toddler in the car.

From Los Angeles Times

“If I’m in a massive diaper situation, I’m not going to remember to clock out, or if I’m helping a kid that’s having a seizure or, you know, one that’s in crisis,” Robinson told me.

From Salon

Here’s the key: After falling face-first into a diaper filled with his own urine, Cary finally realizes what’s missing from his life.

From Los Angeles Times

Barkley made no effort to wipe the baby and instead just poured on some powder before quickly putting on the new diaper.

From Los Angeles Times

“We knew absolutely nothing about child care. We needed someone to show us: This is how you change a diaper, this is how you swaddle, this is how you wash a baby’s hair,” said Zhu.

From Slate

Related Words

• nappy