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

• apparent
• seeable
• visible
• visual

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

But how can trees help indicate this increase in carbon dioxide in an easily observable manner? —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 6 June 2025

Collectively, these changes affected virtually every major institution that shaped Americans’ daily lives—especially institutions that had offered, for generations, ways of understanding and navigating observable differences between human societies, cultures, and bodies. —Literary Hub, 9 June 2025

There’s also ample observable evidence that yawning is contagious. —Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 5 June 2025

Muchacho Alegre, 2250 Jacksboro Highway, had a score of 19 and was closed because of observable roaches near the stove and issues with water temperature. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 May 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