diaper

1 of 2

noun

di·​a·​per ˈdī-pər How to pronounce diaper (audio)
also
ˈdī-ə- How to pronounce diaper (audio)
1
: a fabric with a distinctive pattern:
a
: a rich silk fabric
b
: a soft usually white linen or cotton fabric used for tablecloths or towels
2
: an allover pattern consisting of one or more small repeated units of design (such as geometric figures) connecting with one another or growing out of one another with continuously flowing or straight lines
3
: a basic garment for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist
also : a similar garment especially for incontinent adults

Illustration of diaper

Illustration of diaper
  • diaper 2

diaper

2 of 2

verb

diapered; diapering ˈdī-p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce diaper (audio)

transitive verb

1
: to ornament with diaper designs
2
: to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)

Examples of diaper in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Two months later, the NBA star shared photos on Instagram of his newborn babies, including one of them wearing New York Knicks jerseys over their diapers. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 27 May 2025 While there are ways to determine if your baby is being properly nourished, like counting diaper output, researchers at Northwestern University felt there must be an easier and more updated method. Melissa Willets, Parents, 26 May 2025
Verb
Aging demographics are reshaping everything from retirement plans and immigration patterns to diaper sales and popular ideals about beauty. Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 18 May 2025 From laundry detergents to diaper pail deodorizers, Arm & Hammer Baby is committed to ensuring that only the highest quality ingredients are used. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 22 Apr. 2023 See All Example Sentences for diaper

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English diapre, from Anglo-French diaspre, from Medieval Latin diasprum

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diaper was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Diaper.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diaper. Accessed 4 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun
di·​a·​per ˈdī-(ə-)pər How to pronounce diaper (audio)
1
: a usually white linen or cotton fabric woven in a pattern formed by the repetition of a simple design
also : the design on such cloth
2
: a garment for infants consisting of a piece of absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist

diaper

2 of 2 verb
diapered; diapering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce diaper (audio)
1
: to decorate with diaper designs
2
: to put a diaper on
diaper a baby

Medical Definition

diaper

1 of 2 noun
di·​a·​per ˈdī(-ə)-pər How to pronounce diaper (audio)
: a basic garment especially for infants consisting of a folded cloth or other absorbent material drawn up between the legs and fastened about the waist

diaper

2 of 2 transitive verb
diapered; diapering -p(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce diaper (audio)
: to put on or change the diaper of (an infant)

More from Merriam-Webster on diaper

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!