readable

[ ree-duh-buhl ]

adjective

1. easy or interesting to read.
2. capable of being read; legible:

   readable handwriting.

3. pertaining to letter mail with addresses and zip codes capable of being read by optical scanning devices.

readable

/ ˈriːdəbəl /

adjective

1. (of handwriting, etc) able to be read or deciphered; legible
2. (of style of writing) interesting, easy, or pleasant to read

Derived Forms

• ˌreadaˈbility, noun
• ˈreadably, adverb

Other Words From

• reada·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of readable¹

First recorded in 1560–70; read ¹ + -able

Example Sentences

Penny’s ability to balance the idyllic village life in Three Pines with impressive thriller chops makes “The Grey Wolf” a richly complicated, compulsively readable tale that’s well worth the two-year wait.

From Los Angeles Times

“She’s run as an underdog before and she’s used to being underestimated,” says Dan Morain, a former Times reporter who wrote a very readable 2020 Harris biography, “Kamala’s Way: An American Life.”

From Los Angeles Times

Roberts was also set to publish a book this fall that is a shorter, more readable version of the Project 2025 playbook, complete with a foreword by Trump's running mate, Sen. JD Vance of Ohio.

From Salon

He was upset by that, but also said, “Well, at least animals are more readable. You know what their motives are.”

From Los Angeles Times

I think it is very readable and I think it's good for people to know.

From Salon

Related Words

• absorbing
• amusing
• appealing
• eloquent
• engaging
• engrossing
• enjoyable
• entertaining
• enthralling
• fascinating
• gripping
• interesting
• rewarding
• satisfying
• well-written
• worthwhile