spoilage

noun

spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij How to pronounce spoilage (audio)
1
: the act or process of spoiling
especially : the process of decay in foodstuffs
2
: something spoiled or wasted
3
: loss by spoilage

Examples of spoilage in a Sentence

The milk should be refrigerated to prevent spoilage. in the days before refrigeration, spoilage was a constant problem
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.
Too much light can lead to early spoilage and reduce seed germination rates. Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Mar. 2025 This means defining key objectives, such as improving inventory tracking, reducing spoilage, improving demand forecasting and enhancing redistribution efforts. Guy Yehiav, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2025 Just over 2,000 cases of chicken broth sold at Walmart have been recalled due to a packaging issue that could lead to product spoilage, a Walmart spokesperson confirmed to USA TODAY Monday morning. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 13 Jan. 2025 Change the water daily and check for signs of mold or spoilage. Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for spoilage

Word History

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spoilage was in 1597

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoilage. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

spoilage

noun
spoil·​age ˈspȯi-lij How to pronounce spoilage (audio)
: the action of spoiling or the condition of being spoiled

More from Merriam-Webster on spoilage

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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