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. Also called (in Britain and certain other countries): nappy. a piece of soft material, esp towelling or a disposable material, wrapped around a baby in order to absorb its excrement

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 Word Forms

• undiapered 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

He chronicled his long-term relationship with Bed Bath & Beyond, from college-era trips with his mom to diaper runs for his son.

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Greyson is minimally verbal, still wears diapers at night, and is prone to sporadic meltdowns.

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So even if I got a job in a movie that I knew wasn’t going to be particularly good, it would help me buy diapers and get to the pediatrician.

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In a corner of their ramshackle tent in southern Gaza, Ghaidaa Qudaih and her family keep a baby stroller and three backpacks filled with clothes, diapers, milk and other necessities close at hand.

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Young professionals who wear what was trendy when they were in diapers can look like they’re engaging in cosplay.

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Related Words

• nappy