Definition of "diaper" in English

noun

1. (chiefly Canada, US, Philippines, India) An absorbent garment worn around the crotch that retains the wearer's urine and feces, often worn by a baby or young child who is not yet toilet trained, or by an adult who is incontinent or wets the bed, or under extreme working conditions without access to a toilet; a nappy.

   • cloth diaper, disposable diaper, nighttime diaper, swim diaper

2. (historical) A textile fabric having a repeating pattern, especially of diamonds or flowers, formed by alternating directions of thread.

   • Near-synonym: diamond twill

3. (chiefly Canada, US, colloquial, sometimes humorous) Something that absorbs and collects (retains) liquid or waste material, much like a diaper (noun, sense 1).

   • engine diaper, meat diaper, period diaper, rubber diaper

4. (Canada, US, colloquial, humorous, possibly derogatory) A piece of clothing that resembles the shape of a diaper (noun, sense 1) but lacks the absorbency.

5. (art, chiefly architecture, decorative arts, embroidery) A repeating geometrical or (often stylised) floral pattern, usually of small diamonds evenly spaced, that decorates a flat surface, sometimes in bas-relief; diaperwork.

6. (heraldry, chiefly historical) A repeating geometrical or floral pattern, used to cover the surface of a shield and forming the ground for any charges.

   • Near-synonym: fur

7. (obsolete) A towel, napkin or tablecloth made from the diaper fabric (noun, sense 2).

verb

1. To put diapers on someone.

   • Diapering a baby is something you have to learn fast.

2. To draw flowers or figures, as upon cloth.