observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

1

: noteworthy

2

: capable of being observed : discernible

observability

əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

observable noun

observably

əb-ˈzər-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• visible
• visual
• noticeable

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

For decades, biologists understood the flow of genetic information through a simple framework: DNA produces RNA, which in turn makes proteins, leading to observable traits and disease. —William A. Haseltine, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2025

For example, Cranmer and his collaborators used a machine learning model to predict the density of clumps of dark matter in the universe, based on observable properties of other such nearby clumps. —Anil Ananthaswamy, Wired News, 16 Aug. 2025

That study also included a separate group of participants who showed observable, external signs of awareness. —Mariana Lenharo & Nature Magazine, Scientific American, 6 Aug. 2025

The company’s momentum is particularly observable in its most recent quarter, during which revenue surged by an accelerated 32% to $1.4 billion. —Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 5 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for observable

• unobservable

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb