observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
1
2
: capable of being observed : discernible
observability noun
observable noun
observably adverb

Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable
Recent Examples on the Web There were 191 observable pupfish, the highest spring count recorded since March 1999. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 May 2024 Dead dolphins aren’t observable, and living dolphins who survive attacks may not always bear scars. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2024 The deleterious effect remote learning was having not just on student performance but also on young people’s mental health was observable and, indeed, chronicled at the anecdotal and clinical level. The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024 With April 8 being so close to the Devil Comet's April 21 perihelion, the comet could be observable during the darkness of totality. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for observable 

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

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of observable was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near observable

Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 6 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

observable

adjective
ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
: able to be observed : noticeable
observably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on observable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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