observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

1

: noteworthy

2

: capable of being observed : discernible

observability

əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

observable noun

observably

əb-ˈzər-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• visible
• visual
• noticeable

Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe

scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable

Recent Examples on the Web

Both determine all observable predictions and are necessary to solve the cosmological horizon and flatness problems. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The biological roots of team performance shows how small, observable signals shape trust and collaboration in high-performing teams. —Scott Hutcheson, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

But rather than a linear scale, which would take several quintillions of Earths lined end-to-end to reach the limits of the observable Universe, a logarithmic scale holds far more cosmic insights to an onlooker. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 1 Sep. 2025

These celestial bodies serve as natural laboratories because different theoretical models of dark matter would affect them in distinct, observable ways. —Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French, "that must or can be observed," borrowed from Latin observābilis "capable of being observed," from observāre "to give attention to, watch carefully, observe" + -bilis "capable (of acting) or worthy of (being acted upon)" — more at -able

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for observable

• unobservable

Kids Definition

observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

: able to be observed : noticeable

observably

-blē 

adverb