From Middle English *persishable, perysabyl, equivalent to perish +‎ -able. Compare Old French perissable (and modern French périssable).

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perishable (comparative more perishable, superlative most perishable)

1. Liable to perish, especially naturally subject to quick decomposition or decay.

   Synonyms: ephemeral, shortlived

   Antonyms: imperishable, unperishable

   perishable goods

   perishable foodstuffs

perishable (plural perishables)

1. That which perishes or is short-lived.
2. (in the plural) Food that does not keep for long.