durable

adjective

du·​ra·​ble ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
 also  ˈdyu̇r-
: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value
a durable suitcase
also : designed to be durable
durable goods
durability noun
durableness noun
durably
ˈdu̇r-ə-blē How to pronounce durable (audio)
ˈdyu̇r-
adverb

Did you know?

Something durable lasts a long time, so it's apt that durable comes to us (via Anglo-French) from the Latin verb durare, meaning "to last." Other descendants of durare in English include during, endure, and duration, all of which concern things lasting in one way or another. Durable even has a near synonym in the much rarer perdurable, which combines durare with the prefix per- (meaning "throughout") to create a word that can mean "lasting a very long time or indefinitely" or "eternal."

Choose the Right Synonym for durable

lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established.

lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

Examples of durable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This chair is the definition of ergonomic—the mesh weave back rest melds comfortably against the spine without feeling unsteady and the overall design feels extremely durable. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 13 Sep. 2024 The multifunctional shoe features EVA cushioning, durable traction, and support for walking or running. Melony Forcier, Travel + Leisure, 13 Sep. 2024 It’s made from durable ceramic for longevity and adds a warm glow to any room that could use a spruce-up (think about popping one on a coffee table, kitchen counter, or entryway). Ali Faccenda, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2024 The fabric not only feels luxurious but is also incredibly durable. Katie Ann Lehman, The Hollywood Reporter, 11 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for durable 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'durable.' 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

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin durabilis, from durare to last — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of durable was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near durable

Cite this Entry

“Durable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durable. Accessed 20 Sep. 2024.

Kids Definition

durable

adjective
du·​ra·​ble ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
: able to last a long time
durable clothing
durable goods
durably adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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