operable

American  

[op-er-uh-buhl, op-ruh-] / ˈɒp ər ə bəl, ˈɒp rə- /

adjective

1. that can be treated by a surgical operation.

2. capable of being put into use, operation, or practice.

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operable British  

/ ˈɒprə-, ˈɒpərəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being treated by a surgical operation

2. capable of being operated

3. capable of being put into practice

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Other Word Forms

• nonoperable adjective
• operability noun
• operably adverb

Etymology

Origin of operable

1640–50; < Late Latin operābilis, equivalent to operā ( rī ) to work + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

Since 2015, it has restarted 15 out of its 33 operable reactors.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

There are only two working communal bathrooms for residents, one of which does not have an operable light, and only two communal showers.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 16, 2024

"These findings add to evidence that the perioperative immunotherapy path gives patients with operable lung cancer an opportunity to live longer without their cancer returning."

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

Editorials and articles have sparked a Washington State Ferries food fight over our lack of operable boats and strategies to solve that.

From Seattle Times • May 3, 2024

Marley had written that line a year before his death, while an operable melanoma was, at that moment, metastasizing to his lungs, liver, stomach and brain.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover