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.
An Expert Weighs In On The Controversial Trend How To Tell When Cheese Has Gone Bad Look for common indicators, such as bad smells or visual spoilage before cutting off a chunk of cheese to eat. Molly Allen, Southern Living, 2 July 2024 Otherwise, the heat will generate steam that will create moisture build-up that can speed up spoilage. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 Oct. 2024 Foodborne illness also spreads in home kitchens, where cross-contamination of raw meat with other foods, unsafe storage, and food spoilage often occurs. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 24 Oct. 2024 Track expiration dates in real time and receive alerts when products are near spoilage, enabling businesses to prioritize sales or donations. Shangyan Li, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near spoilage

Cite this Entry

“Spoilage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spoilage. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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