vis·i·ble
ˈvi-zə-bəl 
1
a
: capable of being seen
stars visible to the naked eye
b
: situated in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum perceptible to human vision
visible light
—used of radiation having a wavelength between about 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers
2
a
: exposed to view
the visible horizon
b(1)
: conspicuous
has played a highly visible role in the negotiations
(2)
: well-known
a highly visible politician
3
: capable of being discovered or perceived : recognizable
no visible means of support
4
: accessible sense 2
visible resources
5
: devised to keep a particular part or item always in full view or readily seen or referred to
a visible index
visibleness
noun
plural visibles
: a visible person or thing : someone or something that can be seen or perceived
He achieved important results in both these endeavors, which, being visible, have received ample notice as the visibles of history usually do …—
Barbara W. Tuchman
Barbara W. TuchmanExamples of visible in a Sentence
Adjective
The ship was not visible through the fog.
The ship was barely visible.
The patient showed no visible symptoms.
There was a visible change in his mood.
They played a highly visible role in the negotiations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
However, these complementary investments are costly, long-term, and often difficult to measure, whereas the short-term gains from deploying generative AI (automation, efficiency, cost savings) are more visible and easier to capture in performance metrics.
—Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Under direct presidential authority, Guard members have been posted to monuments, checkpoints and traffic stops across all eight wards, with a mission of deterring crime and maintaining a visible security presence.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The actual work of art, with its totemic aura, its visible brushstrokes, perhaps with the fingerprints of the artist embedded somewhere in its paint, was right in front of me.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for visible
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.
Adjective
The White House announced on July 17 that the Republican leader had been recently diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a common vein condition, after images taken of the president showed visible swelling in his lower legs.
—Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2025
However, these complementary investments are costly, long-term, and often difficult to measure, whereas the short-term gains from deploying generative AI (automation, efficiency, cost savings) are more visible and easier to capture in performance metrics.
—Anjana Susarla, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Under direct presidential authority, Guard members have been posted to monuments, checkpoints and traffic stops across all eight wards, with a mission of deterring crime and maintaining a visible security presence.
—Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2025
The actual work of art, with its totemic aura, its visible brushstrokes, perhaps with the fingerprints of the artist embedded somewhere in its paint, was right in front of me.
—Joshua Rothman, New Yorker, 25 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for visible
Cite this Entry
“Visible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visible. Accessed 2 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
visible
adjective
vis·i·ble
ˈviz-ə-bəl
1
: capable of being seen
stars visible to the naked eye
2
: easily seen or understood : obvious
no visible means of support
Medical Definition
visible
adjective
vis·i·ble
ˈviz-ə-bəl
1
: capable of being seen : perceptible to vision
particulates visible to the naked eye
2
: situated in the visible spectrum
visible light
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share