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

AIOps monitors and responds to infrastructure patterns that, while complex, follow observable patterns. —Shailesh Manjrekar, Forbes.com, 24 July 2025

The companies that get this right define values in terms of observable actions and standard operating procedures! —Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025

For example, Cranmer and his collaborators used a machine learning model to predict the density of clumps of dark matter in the universe, based on observable properties of other such nearby clumps. —Quanta Magazine, 21 July 2025

Despite earning a nearly $500 million contract and gazillions in endorsements and world-wide fame, Mahomes by every observable measure is somewhere between unspoiled and unfazed by it all. —Kansas City Star, 18 July 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