perishable
Perishable (adjective) means Likely to go bad or rot quickly unless kept cool or used soon, said especially of food. Example: “Perishable items such as milk and fish go straight into the chiller.”
How to use perishable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFood that goes off fast.
Everyday and commercial. Very common in shipping, food safety and grocery contexts.
Food banks ask for non-perishable donations, meaning tins and dried goods that keep for months without refrigeration.
Trace the full origin ↓Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ items such as milk and fish go straight into the chiller.
Etymology
From perish, from Old French perir, from Latin perire meaning 'to pass away, be destroyed', plus the suffix -able.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for perishable
See all rhymes for perishable →Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between perishable and non-perishable food?
Perishable food spoils within days unless refrigerated or frozen, such as meat, dairy, fish and fresh produce. Non-perishable food is shelf-stable for months or years at room temperature, such as tinned goods, pasta, rice and dried beans.
What counts as semi-perishable?
Semi-perishable foods keep for a few weeks or months if stored properly but will eventually spoil, such as potatoes, onions, flour, nuts and some hard cheeses. They sit between fresh produce and fully shelf-stable goods.
Why do perishable goods cost more to ship?
They need temperature-controlled transport, faster routing and tighter handling windows, and carriers absorb more risk because a delay can destroy the entire load. That cold chain is expensive to run and to insure.
What is the meaning of perishable?
"perishable" (adjective) means likely to go bad or rot quickly unless kept cool or used soon, said especially of food.