nonperishable

American  

[non-per-i-shuh-buhl] / nɒnˈpɛr ɪ ʃə bəl /

adjective

1. not subject to rapid deterioration or decay.

   A supply of nonperishable food was kept for emergencies.

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noun

1. Usually nonperishables. articles or items, especially of food, not subject to rapid spoilage.

Usage

What does nonperishable mean? Nonperishable is used to describe an item, usually food, that can be stored for a long time without spoiling. Such items are often simply called nonperishables.Perish is a verb that means to die, but perishable is an adjective used to describe something that decays or spoils quickly, especially food. Perishable can also be a noun—perishables are items, usually food, that need to be specially stored (like in a refrigerator) to make them last a while without spoiling, like meat and dairy products. Nonperishables, on the other hand, are things that will last a long time, like dried grains or canned foods.Example: My school is collecting nonperishable items for our food drive.

Etymology

Origin of nonperishable

First recorded in 1920–25; non- + perishable

Example Sentences

Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is accepting nonperishable and household items such as boxed pasta, baby wipes and laundry detergent to distribute to workers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

She eats mostly the nonperishable Trader Joe’s snacks she brought from Louisiana.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2025

Priced at less than 20 cents per box, Kraft’s newfound, nonperishable product was revered as an affordable option for Americans looking to feed their families.

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2024

The newer ones had brought, from land, the resources handed to them by relief agencies that had visited after the flood: nonperishable foodstuffs, writing materials, books, medicine, first-aid kits.

From Slate • Dec. 16, 2023

Lacey’s on liquids; Ben’s on nonperishable supplies; I’m on food.

From "Paper Towns" by John Green

Related Words

• durable
• immortal
• perpetual