inheritable

1 of 2

adjective

in·​her·​it·​able in-ˈher-ə-tə-bəl How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
-ˈhe-rə-
Synonyms of inheritablenext
1
: capable of being inherited : transmissible
an inheritable title
2
: capable of taking by inheritance
the eldest son is inheritable to the crown
inheritability
in-ˌher-ə-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
-ˌhe-rə-
noun
inheritableness
in-ˈher-ə-tə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
-ˈhe-rə-
noun

inheritability

2 of 2

noun

in·​her·​it·​abil·​i·​ty -ˌherə̇təˈbilətē How to pronounce inheritability (audio)
-rə̇tə-, 
-lətē, 
-i
: the quality of being inheritable or descendible to heirs

Synonyms of inheritable

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Adjective

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Examples of inheritable in a Sentence

Adjective eye color is an inheritable trait
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.
Adjective
These shares are also inheritable, allowing them to be passed on to heirs. — Daniela Sanjinés, The Conversation, 22 July 2025 Our vision is that the future of design will have a long lasting inheritable quality. — Sydney Gore, Architectural Digest, 6 Feb. 2025 Citizenship strategy has moved from a fringe consideration to standard practice among high-net-worth families, with parents and grandparents increasingly viewing passports as a form of inheritable wealth. — Alex Ohnona, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for inheritable

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English enheritable, inheritable "having right of inheritance, capable of being inherited," borrowed from Anglo-French enheritable, from enheriter "to give (a person) right of inheritance, inherit" + -able -able

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of inheritable was in the 15th century

Rhymes for inheritable

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Browse Nearby Words

inheritability
inheritable
inheritage
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Inheritable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/inheritable. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

inheritable

adjective
in·​her·​it·​able in-ˈher-ət-ə-bəl How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
: capable of being transmitted from parent to offspring genetically
inheritability
-ˌher-ət-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
noun
plural inheritabilities

Legal Definition

inheritable

adjective
in·​her·​it·​able in-ˈher-i-tə-bəl How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
1
: capable of being inherited
2
: capable of taking by inheritance
inheritability
in-ˌher-i-tə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce inheritable (audio)
noun
inheritableness noun
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