dirigible

1 of 2

adjective

di·​ri·​gi·​ble ˈdir-ə-jə-bəl  də-ˈri-jə- 

: capable of being steered

dirigible

2 of 2

noun

: airship

Examples of dirigible in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The Great Depression disrupted plans for a second, 81-story tower (complete with rooftop dirigible launch). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 July 2026

German dirigible the Hindenburg, the largest ever built, burst into flames in Lakehurst, New Jersey. — USA Today, 6 May 2026

Noun

All three types of airships are also called dirigibles, meaning that they can be steered, in contrast to hot-air balloons. — Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026

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

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

Rhymes for dirigible

• unbridgeable

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

: airship