usable

adjective

us·​able ˈyü-zə-bəl How to pronounce usable (audio)
variants or less commonly useable
1
: capable of being used
2
: convenient and practicable for use
usableness noun
usably adverb

Examples of usable in a Sentence

Is any of this junk usable? although the spade is usable as a snow shovel, it doesn't do a very good job
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.
Yet, content that prioritizes vague predictions over usable guidance lacks substance, eroding credibility and influence. Alisha Lyndon, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025 With the work done, the usable space at the 127 S. McLean Blvd. Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune, 19 June 2025 Most of those launches carry around 17 metric tons (about 37,500 pounds) of usable payload mass. ArsTechnica, 15 June 2025 Leaf Home ranked Kansas City fifth among U.S. cities in 2025 for the worst hard water conditions, meaning excess minerals in usable water. Zuri Primos, Kansas City Star, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for usable

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of usable was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Usable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/usable. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

usable

adjective
us·​able
ˈyü-zə-bəl
: suitable or fit for use
usable waste

More from Merriam-Webster on usable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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