valuable

noun

: a usually personal possession (such as jewelry) of relatively great monetary value

—usually used in plural

Did you know?

invaluable = valuable?

Many people find it confusing that the in- prefix at the beginning of invaluable apparently lacks the meaning "not" found in a number of other words, such as invalid, inarticulate, and insane. In fact, the prefix does indicate negation, but in a way that is not immediately obvious. The original (and current) meaning of invaluable is "valuable beyond estimation"; the word describes something so precious that one cannot assign a price to it. This, clearly, is the opposite of the meaning "having no value; valueless" that the word might seem to carry. Invaluable actually has been recorded in the sense "without value," but such use has been exceedingly rare and is practically nonexistent today.

Examples of valuable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hagerty also encouraged everyone to keep valuables close, verify the driver if using a rideshare, and be on the lookout for suspicious activity. —Bri Buckley, CBS News, 7 June 2026

Instead of using an open tote, keep your valuables close at hand with a secure bag that stays close to your body and zips shut. —Nneya Richards, Travel + Leisure, 4 June 2026

The process can take three to six months and you may be required to sell off non-exempt assets, like a second car, vacation home or valuables. —John Csiszar, CNBC, 2 June 2026

Inside it are items such as cash in a bank account, a home, a car, clothing, jewelry, furniture, investments and other valuables. —James Malm, The Conversation, 1 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

noun derivative of valuable entry 1

First Known Use

circa 1775, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing valuable

• most valuable player
• valuable consideration

Rhymes for valuable

• evaluable
• invaluable

Kids Definition

valuable

1 of 2 adjective

val·​u·​able

ˈval-yə(-wə)-bəl

1

: worth a large amount of money

a valuable necklace

2

: of great use or service

valuable advice

valuableness noun

valuably

-blē

adverb

valuable

2 of 2 noun

: a possession (as a jewel) of great value

—usually used in plural