penetrable

1 of 2

adjective

pen·​e·​tra·​ble ˈpe-nə-trə-bəl 

: capable of being penetrated

penetrability

ˌpe-nə-trə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

penetrability

2 of 2

noun

pen·​e·​tra·​bil·​i·​ty ˌpenə‧trəˈbilətē 

-lətē, 

-i

: the quality or state of being penetrable

Synonyms of penetrable

Adjective

• porous
• permeable
• absorbent

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

Adjective

The wall between the two has long been viewed as performative and penetrable. —Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 26 May 2026

By breaking actives down into smaller molecules, the fermentation process makes the ingredient more bioavailable and penetrable. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2025

Bouncing back seven years after the barely penetrable Sunset, the Hungarian director’s new film takes its time to kick in but is a uniquely personal coming-of-age drama. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 28 Aug. 2025

Consider the material: Leather sofas are less penetrable by dust, debris, and liquids than fabric sofas. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 27 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

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

First Known Use

Adjective

1538, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for penetrable

• impenetrable

Kids Definition

penetrable

adjective

pen·​e·​tra·​ble ˈpen-ə-trə-bəl 

: capable of being penetrated

penetrability

ˌpen-ə-trə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun