operable

adjective

op·​er·​a·​ble ˈä-p(ə-)rə-bəl How to pronounce operable (audio)
1
: fit, possible, or desirable to use : practicable
2
: likely to result in a favorable outcome upon surgical treatment
an operable cancer
operably adverb

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 The laser rangefinders aboard Odysseus were not operable but sensors on one of the NASA science instruments aboard the lander were repurposed instead. Denise Chow, NBC News, 23 Feb. 2024 The unit also has several sustainable features like operable solar powered skylights, operable windows placed strategically for ventilation and a mini-split HVAC system. Stephanie Gallman Jordan, Southern Living, 18 Feb. 2024 The release conditions include that Emerson undergo mental health services, stay away from drugs and alcohol, and not come within 30 feet (9 meters) of an operable aircraft. Claire Rush, Fortune, 8 Dec. 2023 The family also said security cameras focused on the courtyard were not operable. Keith L. Alexander, Washington Post, 20 Feb. 2024 Social media channels were abuzz with discussion and speculation over how the phone could have still been operable and whether the phone’s survival might find its way into an advertising campaign. USA TODAY, 9 Jan. 2024 The firm also installed kinetic/operable louvers that slide along the home on the lake side and rotate. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 21 Dec. 2023 One model of the Nikola electric pickup truck called the Badger, lacked certain parts, such as airbags and an operable HVAC, and many of the interior lights were not operable and were merely backlit, prosecutors said. Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 18 Dec. 2023 An electric system with operable lighting and wiring. Angela Rodriguez, Sacramento Bee, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'operable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near operable

Cite this Entry

“Operable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/operable. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 noun
plural operabilities
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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