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

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Cite this Entry

“Dirigible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dirigible. Accessed 16 May. 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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