inflatable

American  

[in-fley-tuh-buhl] / ɪnˈfleɪ tə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being inflated. inflated.

2. designed or built to be inflated inflated before use.

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noun

1. an inflatable object, device, or structure, especially a small rubber boat that is inflated inflated with air.

inflatable British  

/ ɪnˈfleɪtəbəl /

noun

1. any of various large air-filled objects made of strong plastic or rubber, used for children to play on at fairs, carnivals, etc

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adjective

1. capable of being inflated

Other Word Forms

• reinflatable adjective

Etymology

Origin of inflatable

First recorded in 1875–80; inflate + -able

Example Sentences

An inflatable radiant-baby pillow would run you $12.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 2026

When a friend couldn’t make a trip along Route 66 to celebrate their 66th birthday, they bought an inflatable dummy, added his image to the head and included it in group photos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Footage shows the official arriving onshore in an inflatable small boat and handing over the eviction notice to Mandarin at a make-shift camp.

From BBC • Feb. 19, 2026

Specialised divers from the fire brigade assisted residents on inflatable boats, AFP journalists saw.

From Barron's • Feb. 5, 2026

A dark bluish slick surrounded the boat, and the men in the Coast Guard inflatable were laying out yellow floating bumpers, to keep the oil and grease from spreading.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen