observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl 

1

: noteworthy

the trend is observable all over the country

2

: capable of being observed : discernible

the size of the observable universe

observability

əb-ˌzər-və-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

observable noun

observably

əb-ˈzər-və-blē 

adverb

Synonyms of observable

• 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

Nature, loss, and longing inspire these quiet verses, which conjure a sense of the immense mysteries governing the observable world. — The New Yorker, New Yorker, 21 Sep. 2026

Reported information after a store fall After a fall, the information reported to a store manager may include the location, approximate time, observable condition of the area, how the fall occurred, and any symptoms present at the time. — Matthew Kayser, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Such a file contains objective personnel data as well as observable assessments of a cadre’s political shortcomings. — Andrew Mertha, Foreign Affairs, 17 Sep. 2026

What Domain Depth Actually Looks Like Domain depth is observable, not a marketing claim. — Kyle Nakatsuji, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2026

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