observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
1
2
: capable of being observed : discernible
observability noun
observable noun
observably adverb

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
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.
But last week saw an observable upwelling of anxiety, reflecting a break of the preceding low-volatility climb and some possible pent-up selling from historically elevated equity allocations. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 18 Oct. 2025 There’s nothing wrong with that, but the observable crinkles may be diminished. Robin Miller, AZCentral.com, 17 Oct. 2025 Other portions might be expanding, in a similar or different fashion to how the space of our observable Universe is expanding today. Big Think, 14 Oct. 2025 In our task, a trial-and-error strategy could not work because the objects to be ordered were not directly observable; children could not rely on perceptual feedback. Celeste Kidd, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for observable

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of observable was in 1589

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Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Kids Definition

observable

adjective
ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
: able to be observed : noticeable
observably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on observable

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