stabler; stablest
1
a
: in a good state or condition that is not easily changed or likely to change
a stable community/government
They have a stable relationship.
Children need to be raised in a stable environment.
a stable income
The economy is stable.
b
medical
: not getting worse or likely to get worse
The patient is stable.
(US) She is in stable condition after suffering multiple injuries. = (Brit) She is in a stable condition after suffering multiple injuries.
2
: not easily moved
Make sure the platform is stable.
The ladder doesn't seem very stable. [=secure]
3
: emotionally or mentally healthy : calm and reasonable
a mentally/emotionally stable person
4
technical
: having a chemical structure or physical state that does not change easily
a stable compound/element
plural stables
1
: a building in which horses are kept, fed, and cared for
She rode the horse back to the stable.
a horse stable
—sometimes used in the plural form stables especially to mean a place where horses are kept for riding lessonsShe rode the horse back to the stables.
riding stables
2
a
: the group of racehorses that belong to the same owner
There have been three winners from his stable this season.
b
: a group of people (such as athletes, writers, or performers) who work for or are trained by the same person, organization, or business
a stable of actors/writers
c
: a group of products that are made by the same company
A new model will be added to the car company's stable of sedans.
stables; stabled; stabling
: to put or keep (a horse) in a stable
She stabled the horse.
Where do you stable your horses?
Cite this Entry
“Stable.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/stable. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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