accessible

adjective

ac·​ces·​si·​ble ik-ˈse-sə-bəl 

ak-,

ek-

1

a

: capable of being reached

a remote region accessible by rail

also : being within reach

fashions at accessible prices

b

: easy to speak to or deal with

a friendly, accessible boss

2

: capable of being used or seen : available

information that should be accessible to everyone

The collection is not currently accessible.

3

: capable of being understood or appreciated

the author's most accessible stories

an accessible film

4

: capable of being influenced : open

people who are accessible to new ideas

5

: easily used or accessed by people with disabilities : adapted for use by people with disabilities

accessible bathrooms/doorways/seating/parking

Councilwoman Deborah Gross introduced legislation Tuesday that would prioritize accessible entryways, common areas, restrooms and communications facilities—in that order—when city businesses undergo major physical updates.

—Adam Smeltz

accessibility

ik-ˌse-sə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ak-

ek-

noun

accessibleness

ik-ˈse-sə-bəl-nəs 

ak-

ek-

noun

accessibly

ik-ˈse-sə-blē 

ak-

ek-

adverb

Synonyms

• affordable
• popular

Examples of accessible in a Sentence

The inn is accessible by train and bus.

The mall is accessible from the highway.

It is a fascinating and accessible book.

Recent Examples on the Web

Don’t miss the spectacular hikes—accessible by cable car, or for the hardier, by foot. —Jemima Sissons, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Apr. 2024

This means Pilates is accessible to a wide range of fitness levels—including, yup, beginners. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 9 Apr. 2024

Built in 1856, the Cape Cod-style lighthouse is accessible only at low tide. —Jackie Burrell, The Mercury News, 8 Apr. 2024

The route is wheelchair accessible, and offers stunning views of Hallett Peak and the Continental Divide from the trail. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2024

Hughes, a documentary director and former news journalist, was in close, frequent contact with those affected to capture the nuances of the legal case and the arduous efforts to clear victim’s names, whilst making the series accessible to those who had not followed the scandal beforehand. —Scott Bryan, Variety, 7 Apr. 2024

There has been an issue with some outer packaging splitting near the zipper track, Procter & Gamble says, that would make the contents more accessible to children. —Emilee Coblentz, The Courier-Journal, 5 Apr. 2024

Almost a fifth of US fans say that live women’s sports aren’t easily accessible at home, according to Nielsen. —Nathaniel Meyersohn, CNN, 5 Apr. 2024

Jordan is also intentional about making art more accessible while spotlighting more diverse and female voices. —Lindsay Kaplan, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English accessyble, borrowed from Middle French & Late Latin; Middle French accessible, borrowed from Late Latin accessibilis, from Latin accessus (past participle of accēdere "to approach") + -ibilis -ible — more at accede

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

accessible

adjective

ac·​ces·​si·​ble ik-ˈses-ə-bəl 

ak-

1

: capable of being reached

a resort accessible by train or bus

2

: capable of being used, seen, or known : obtainable

accessible information

accessibility

ik-ˌses-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

ak-

noun

accessibly

-blē 

adverb