durable

adjective

du·​ra·​ble ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
 also  ˈdyu̇r-
: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value
a durable suitcase
also : designed to be durable
durable goods
durability noun
durableness noun
durably
ˈdu̇r-ə-blē How to pronounce durable (audio)
ˈdyu̇r-
adverb

Did you know?

Something durable lasts a long time, so it's apt that durable comes to us (via Anglo-French) from the Latin verb durare, meaning "to last." Other descendants of durare in English include during, endure, and duration, all of which concern things lasting in one way or another. Durable even has a near synonym in the much rarer perdurable, which combines durare with the prefix per- (meaning "throughout") to create a word that can mean "lasting a very long time or indefinitely" or "eternal."

Choose the Right Synonym for durable

lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established.

lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

Examples of durable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Known for its rugged and durable products, Wrangler no doubt makes sturdy suitcases that can handle trains, planes, and automobiles. Lauren Bonney, Travel + Leisure, 28 Nov. 2024 People were making turkey-feather blankets, which are warmer and more durable than those made with rabbit fur, before 500 CE. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 27 Nov. 2024 Thankfully, Pela has developed the first 100% compostable and durable phone case with hundreds of original styles to choose from. Romany Williams, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024 The ceramic is durable, warms quickly, and offers an even heat distribution. Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 26 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for durable 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin durabilis, from durare to last — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of durable was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near durable

Cite this Entry

“Durable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durable. Accessed 6 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

durable

adjective
du·​ra·​ble ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
: able to last a long time
durable clothing
durable goods
durably adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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