# perishable

/ˈpɛɹɪʃəbəɫ/ (US) · /pˈɛɹɪʃəbəl/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/perishable
Updated: 2026-05-25

## Definition

a substance or item that can rot, decay, or spoil quickly. You usually use this to describe food like milk or meat that needs to be kept cold.

For teachers: a substance or item that is subject to decay, rot, or spoilage. Often used in the plural to refer to foodstuffs requiring refrigeration.

## Examples

- Milk is a perishable item that needs to be kept cold.
- The grocery store has a special section for perishable goods like fresh fish and dairy products.
- Logistics companies must maintain strict temperature controls throughout the supply chain to ensure that perishable cargo remains safe for human consumption.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.