durable

adjective

du·​ra·​ble ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
also ˈdyu̇r-
Synonyms of durable
: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value
a durable suitcase
also : designed to be durable
durable goods
durability
ˌdu̇r-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce durable (audio)
ˌdyu̇r-
noun
durableness
ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce durable (audio)
ˈdyu̇r-
noun
durably
ˈdu̇r-ə-blē How to pronounce durable (audio)
ˈdyu̇r-
adverb

Did you know?

Something durable lasts a long time, so it's apt that durable comes to us (via Anglo-French) from the Latin verb durare, meaning "to last." Other descendants of durare in English include during, endure, and duration, all of which concern things lasting in one way or another. Durable even has a near synonym in the much rarer perdurable, which combines durare with the prefix per- (meaning "throughout") to create a word that can mean "lasting a very long time or indefinitely" or "eternal."

Choose the Right Synonym for durable

lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established.

lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

Examples of durable in a Sentence

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.
The sneakers also have a nonslip outsole and are covered in durable, easy-to-clean leather. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 Despite the ultra-light wash, others say the backside isn’t see-through, due to the thick and durable denim weave. — Olivia Cigliano, InStyle, 8 July 2026 Engineers suggest that using a more durable — and more expensive — asphalt blend could be a solution for some roads that are subject to extreme temperatures. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 7 July 2026 One bet is on fandom, studying how a community built around a single album or show can become something more durable, a lasting space where people keep working through identity and history long after the hype fades. — Afdhel Aziz, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for durable

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin durabilis, from durare to last — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of durable was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing durable

Rhymes for durable

See All Rhymes for durable

Browse Nearby Words

durability
durable
durableness
See all Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Durable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durable. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

durable

adjective
du·​ra·​ble ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
: able to last a long time
durable clothing
durable goods
durability
ˌd(y)u̇r-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce durable (audio)
noun
durably
ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-blē How to pronounce durable (audio)
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on durable

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for durable

Nglish: Translation of durable for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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