perishable

[ per-i-shuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. subject to decay, ruin, or destruction:

   perishable fruits and vegetables.

noun

1. Usually perishables. something perishable, especially food.

perishable

/ ˈpɛrɪʃəbəl /

adjective

1. liable to rot or wither

noun

1. often plural a perishable article, esp food

Derived Forms

• ˈperishably, adverb
• ˌperishaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• perish·a·bili·ty perish·a·ble·ness noun
• perish·a·bly adverb
• un·perish·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perishable¹

First recorded in 1605–15; perish + -able

Example Sentences

Local supermarkets and businesses donate fresh food, keeping the fridges stocked with perishable food which was destined for landfill.

From BBC

Perishable items like cookies and crackers should be wrapped in plastic and stored in sealed containers.

From Salon

Lots of perishable goods come through the now-closed ports, like bananas, soybeans, poultry, and alcohol.

From Slate

Buying perishable items in bulk at a cheaper price is completely out of the question as they will just rot.

From BBC

Stocking perishable foods that are starting to look iffy – such as bananas with brown spots sold alongside unblemished yellow bananas – could harm a retailer's image if shoppers start to question the store's quality.

From Salon