durable goods

American  

plural noun

1. goods, as household appliances, machinery, or sports equipment, that are not consumed or destroyed in use and can be used for a period of time, usually three or more years.

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durable goods British  

plural noun

1. Also called: durables.  goods, such as most producer goods and some consumer goods, that require infrequent replacement. Compare disposable goods , perishables

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durable goods Cultural  

1. Manufactured products capable of long utility, such as refrigerators and automobiles.

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Etymology

Origin of durable goods

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

These are primarily durable goods, or the clothing, furniture and sporting equipment that fills our closets and garages.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Shipments of durable goods rose by 0.7%, after rising by 1.6% in February.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 29, 2026

The Census Bureau releases the durable goods report for March.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The consensus call is for a 0.5% month-over-month increase in new orders for manufactured durable goods, following a 1.3% decline in February.

From Barron's • Apr. 27, 2026

The extraordinary demand for other durable goods, for the replenishment of inventories, and for exports may be satisfied earlier.

From State of the Union Address by Truman, Harry S.

Related Words

• consumer durables
• consumer goods