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.
Uncovering this story, coupled with the recognition that the raw ingredients that led to life on Earth are found in billions of star systems across our galaxy and in trillions of galaxies across the observable Universe, has led to some tremendous questions and some equally tremendous speculations. Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 7 Oct. 2025 Some odd extreme readings are observable from the remarkable degree of big-cap index resilience and wide-swinging/fast-rotating individual stocks and sectors. Michael Santoli, CNBC, 3 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 To foster constructive disagreements, organizations should encourage individuals to modify their observable behaviors during conflicts. Harvard Business Review, 2 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 10 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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