penetrable

1 of 2

adjective

pen·​e·​tra·​ble ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl How to pronounce penetrable (audio)
Synonyms of penetrablenext
: capable of being penetrated
penetrability
ˌpe-nə-trə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce penetrable (audio)
noun

penetrability

2 of 2

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpenə‧trəˈbilətē How to pronounce penetrability (audio)
-lətē, 
-i
: the quality or state of being penetrable

Synonyms of penetrable

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Adjective

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Examples of penetrable in a Sentence

Adjective unfortunately, our netting proved to be a rather penetrable barrier that allowed in our cabin a steady stream of mosquitoes
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
The wall between the two has long been viewed as performative and penetrable. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026 Strong actors also can’t prop up a script built out of barely penetrable mumbo jumbo. — David Rooney, The Hollywood Reporter, 3 Sep. 2019 Among Clarke’s first major requests was research into ways Metro could make gates less penetrable. — Justin George, Washington Post, 28 July 2023 By breaking actives down into smaller molecules, the fermentation process makes the ingredient more bioavailable and penetrable. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for penetrable

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French pénétrabilité, from pénétrable penetrable (from Latin penetrabilis) + -ité -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1538, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of penetrable was in 1538

Rhymes for penetrable

See All Rhymes for penetrable

Browse Nearby Words

penetrability
penetrable
penetrale
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

penetrable

adjective
pen·​e·​tra·​ble ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl How to pronounce penetrable (audio)
: capable of being penetrated
penetrability
ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce penetrable (audio)
noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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