operable

adjective

op·​er·​a·​ble ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce operable (audio)
Synonyms of operablenext
1
: fit, possible, or desirable to use
The radio is operable without the car running.
2
: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment
an operable cancer
operability
ˌä-p(ə-)rə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce operable (audio)
noun
operably
ˈä-pə-rə-blē How to pronounce operable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of operable

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Examples of operable in a Sentence

The radio is operable without the car running. the historic wooden ship has been fully restored and is once again an operable seafaring vessel
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 livestreams are only operable during business hours. — Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 1 June 2026 Youths in custody have access to drinking fountains and operable sinks in their rooms, Waters said. — James Queally, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 This vaccine also is only for patients whose tumors are operable. — Chicago Tribune, Twin Cities, 30 Apr. 2026 The battle damage estimate is now put at 60% of missile launchers, but it is acknowledged that in some cases these can be dug out and made operable. — Ian Pannell, ABC News, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for operable

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin operābilis "active, efficacious," from operārī "to work, be efficacious" + Latin -ābilis -able — more at operate

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of operable was in 1646

Rhymes for operable

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Browse Nearby Words

operability
operable
opéra bouffe
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Cite this Entry

“Operable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operable. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

operable

adjective
op·​er·​a·​ble ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce operable (audio)
1
: fit, possible, or desirable to use
2
: likely to have a favorable result upon surgical treatment
an operable cancer

Medical Definition

operable

adjective
op·​er·​a·​ble ˈäp-(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce operable (audio)
1
: fit, possible, or desirable to use
2
: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment
operability
ˌäp-(ə-)rə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce operable (audio)
noun
plural operabilities
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