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

After that, visitors file out and gain even more virtual altitude, boarding a dirigible that skims an ancient version of the skyline. — Justin Davidson, Curbed, 1 Oct. 2026

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

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