adjective
Other Word Forms
- nonpliable adjective
- nonpliably adverb
- pliability noun
- pliableness noun
- pliably adverb
- unpliable adjective
- unpliably adverb
Etymology
Origin of pliable
First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English, from French, equivalent to pli(er) “to fold, bend” ( ply 2 ) + -able -able
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The sculpture’s curved, draping form looks both stiff and pliable, cartoonish and menacing.
From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 22, 2025
Eventually, it becomes pliable enough to pick off ground balls.
From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 6, 2025
The higher butterfat content provides a richer flavor and creamier texture, while the slow-churned process makes the butter smoother and more pliable.
From Salon • Dec. 4, 2024
Chimpanzees live a long time, but like us, they are only cute and pliable for a relatively few years.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 18, 2024
He was wearing a white button-down shirt, faded Levi’s with threadbare knees, pliable gold-framed spectacles that wrapped around his ears.
From "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
