dirigible

1 of 2

adjective

di·​ri·​gi·​ble ˈdir-ə-jə-bəl How to pronounce dirigible (audio) də-ˈri-jə- How to pronounce dirigible (audio)
: capable of being steered

dirigible

2 of 2

noun

Examples of dirigible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Adjective
In 1933, the United States Navy built it as the West Coast base for the USS Macon, a massive dirigible measuring 785 ft (239 m) in length. New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2026 The Navy built an eight-acre dirigible hangar in Mountain View, still one of the largest freestanding structures ever erected. Literary Hub, 21 Nov. 2025
Noun
In 1933, the United States Navy built it as the West Coast base for the USS Macon, a massive dirigible measuring 785 ft (239 m) in length. New Atlas, 3 Apr. 2026 Goodyear began experimenting with vessels that would be lighter than aircraft in the early 1900s, and the dirigibles have since become a lasting and iconic symbol of the corporate brand. Rachel Reiff Ellis, Fortune, 3 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for dirigible

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin dirigere

Noun

dirigible (balloon)

First Known Use

Adjective

1881, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dirigible was in 1881

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Dirigible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirigible. Accessed 26 Apr. 2026.

Kids Definition

dirigible

1 of 2 adjective
dir·​i·​gi·​ble
ˈdir-ə-jə-bəl
də-ˈrij-ə-
: capable of being steered

dirigible

2 of 2 noun

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