legible

adjective

leg·​i·​ble ˈle-jə-bəl How to pronounce legible (audio)
1
: capable of being read or deciphered : plain
legible handwriting
2
: capable of being discovered or understood
murder sweltered in his heart and was legible upon his faceThomas Wolfe
legibility noun
legibly adverb

Examples of legible in a Sentence

The document is not legible. an anxious mood that was clearly legible upon her face
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.
Beards emerged as legible emblems of male virility and authority just as women began demanding the vote. Margaret Talbot, New Yorker, 21 July 2025 Senators Alex Padilla of California and Cory Booker of New Jersey have introduced the VISIBLE Act, which requires agents from ICE and Customs and Border Protection to wear legible ID, including the agency name or acronym. Billal Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 July 2025 The bill would also require them to display legible identification, including their agency name or acronym and name or badge number in a manner that remains visible and unobscured by tactical gear or clothing. Daniel Gonzalez, AZCentral.com, 14 July 2025 If the tax code is going to be enforced by machines, and the preparation calculated and handled by the same, the rules those machines follow should be legible and contestable, argues Andrew Leahey. Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for legible

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Late Latin legibilis, from Latin legere to read

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of legible was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Legible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/legible. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

legible

adjective
leg·​i·​ble ˈlej-ə-bəl How to pronounce legible (audio)
: capable of being read : plain
legible handwriting
legibility noun
legibly adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on legible

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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