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

After all, our images of this object were taken from clear across the observable universe. —Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 24 Sep. 2025

Researchers break down empathic care into various observable, measurable components. —Rachel Pearson, Harpers Magazine, 19 Sep. 2025

The key to embedding inclusion is tying it to your core values and mapping those values to specific, observable behaviors. —Julie Kratz, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Thanks to the Unistellar sky catalog on the Unistellar app, there is a pre-generated list of objects that are observable in your location and sky area. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 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