observable

adjective

ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
1
2
: capable of being observed : discernible
observability noun
observable noun
observably adverb

Examples of observable in a Sentence

the size of the observable universe scientists often work with phenomena that are not directly observable
Recent Examples on the Web Dead dolphins aren’t observable, and living dolphins who survive attacks may not always bear scars. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 17 Apr. 2024 The deleterious effect remote learning was having not just on student performance but also on young people’s mental health was observable and, indeed, chronicled at the anecdotal and clinical level. The Editors, National Review, 20 Mar. 2024 With April 8 being so close to the Devil Comet's April 21 perihelion, the comet could be observable during the darkness of totality. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 The other is based on cosmology and is a hypothesis that the universe outside of our observable limit is expanding at a super-fast rate, seeding other bubble universes in the process. Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024 Something else that might be to blame for not all of Au Mic b’s outflows being observable is photoionization. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 15 Aug. 2023 Through the power of IMAX, viewers are transported across 13 billion years of cosmic history, to the very edges of the observable universe. Tony Bradley, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024 Even considering only observable fishing boats broadcasting their positions, the presence of boats signals considerable risk for marine life. Heather Welch, The Conversation, 6 Mar. 2024 New evidence from old rocks Because of its observable characteristics, especially the tube structure and siphons that are so similar to modern ascidiaceans, the M. thylakos fossil could indicate that ancient tunicates began as sessile creatures. Elizabeth Rayne, Ars Technica, 16 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'observable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1589, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of observable was in 1589

Dictionary Entries Near observable

Cite this Entry

“Observable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/observable. Accessed 2 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

observable

adjective
ob·​serv·​able əb-ˈzər-və-bəl How to pronounce observable (audio)
: able to be observed : noticeable
observably adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on observable

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