disposable

American  

[dih-spoh-zuh-buhl] / dɪˈspoʊ zə bəl /

adjective

1. designed for or capable of being thrown away after being used or used up.

   disposable plastic spoons; a disposable cigarette lighter.

2. free for use; available.

   Every disposable vehicle was sent.

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noun

1. something disposable after a single use, as a paper cup, plate, or napkin.

disposable British  

/ dɪˈspəʊzəbəl /

adjective

1. designed for disposal after use

   disposable cups

2. available for use if needed

   disposable assets

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noun

1. something, such as a baby's nappy, that is designed for disposal

2. (plural) short for disposable goods

Other Word Forms

• disposability noun
• disposableness noun
• disposably adverb
• nondisposable adjective

Etymology

Origin of disposable

First recorded in 1645–55; dispose + -able

Example Sentences

Ms Stainthorpe said she would "never forget the smell and filth around the house" which was so severe the team had to wear disposable overalls, gloves and masks.

From BBC

On the counter sits the offending item: a plastic cup of cut fruit from the deli, the kind that comes with a sealed lid and a disposable spoon tucked inside.

From Salon

It was late, and the store was out of disposable bags, so I tucked some of the loot into my dance bag and cradled the rest in the crook of my arm.

From Salon

While Safdie deeming those aspects disposable keeps “Marty Supreme” from being a truly perfect film, it wouldn’t be half as good if its concentration drifted from Marty for more than a minute.

From Salon

With vivid details and a dose of British humor, Losada relays her failed attempt to have lunch at a Whole Foods store without using its disposable plastic cutlery.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• superfluous
• unimportant