stable

¹sta·ble

noun \ˈstā-bəl\

Definition of STABLE

1

: a building in which domestic animals are sheltered and fed; especially : such a building having stalls or compartments <a horse stable>

2

a : the racehorses of one owner

b : a group of people (as athletes, writers, or performers) under one management

c : the racing cars of one owner

d : group, collection

— sta·ble·man \-mən, -ˌman\ noun

Examples of STABLE

1. She rode the horse back to the stable.
2. There have been three winners from his stable this season.
3. A new model will be added to the car company's stable of sedans.

Origin of STABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estable, stable, from Latin stabulum, from stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Rhymes with STABLE

able, Babel, Bebel, cable, fable, Froebel, gable, label, sable, table

²stable

verb

sta·bledsta·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Definition of STABLE

transitive verb

: to put or keep in a stable

intransitive verb

: to dwell in or as if in a stable

Examples of STABLE

1. Where do you stable your horses?

First Known Use of STABLE

14th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

³stable

adjective

sta·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ sta·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\

Definition of STABLE

1

a : firmly established : fixed, steadfast <stable opinions>

b : not changing or fluctuating : unvarying <in stable condition>

c : permanent, enduring <stable civilizations>

2

a : steady in purpose : firm in resolution

b : not subject to insecurity or emotional illness : sane, rational <a stable personality>

3

a (1) : placed so as to resist forces tending to cause motion or change of motion (2) : designed so as to develop forces that restore the original condition when disturbed from a condition of equilibrium or steady motion

b (1) : not readily altering in chemical makeup or physical state <stable emulsions> (2) : not spontaneously radioactive

— sta·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun

— sta·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of STABLE

1. They have a stable relationship.
2. Children need to be raised in a stable environment.
3. Make sure the platform is stable.

Origin of STABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estable, stable, from Latin stabilis, from stare to stand

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to STABLE

Synonyms

bombproof, fast, firm, sound, stalwart, strong, sturdy

Antonyms

rickety, unsound, unstable, unsteady

Related Words

dependable, durable, reliable; infrangible, irrefragable, unbreakable; beefy, solid; cohesive, tough

Near Antonyms

infirm, insecure, weak; shaky, tottering, tottery, unbalanced, wobbly (also wabbly); unsubstantial

See Synonym Discussion at lasting

Other Aeronautics/Aerospace Terms

airway, apron, corridor, dirigible, fishtail, flat-hat, vector

sta·ble

adjective \ˈstā-bəl\   (Medical Dictionary)

sta·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ (audio pronunciation); sta·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of STABLE

1

: not changing or fluctuating <the patient's condition was listed as stable>

2

: not subject to insecurity or emotional illness <a stable personality>

3

a : not readily altering in chemical makeup or physical state <stable emulsions> b : not spontaneously radioactive <a stable isotope>