openable

[ oh-puh-nuh-buhl ]

adjective

1. capable of being opened.

Other Words From

• open·a·bili·ty noun
• un·open·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of openable¹

First recorded in 1815–25; open + -able

Example Sentences

Of course, Pogue added sadly, there will inevitably be a mass cultural loss of the type that affects any older piece of creative software: “I have hundreds upon hundreds of Finale files for all the songs I’ve written, all the arrangements I’ve done, all the shows I’ve worked on. I can still open them, and I will for years, but there is going to come a point when they are no longer openable.”

From Slate

Yesterday’s pangrams were beanpole and openable.

From New York Times

The interactive design features openable oven and microwave doors, a turning oven knob, two burner knobs, two stove burners, two shelves, sink with gold faucet, washing machine, laundry dial and an under-sink cabinet to enhance your little ones play time.

From Salon

“Were the windows open, or openable, from the exterior of the home, perhaps penetrable? Might they be susceptible to entrance from, say, an ourang-outang? My police colleague, C. Auguste Dupin, encountered just such a praeternaturally nimble villain.”

From Washington Post

Behind her, the psychiatric emergency ward’s heavy double doors — openable only with a staff member’s key — thud shut.

From Seattle Times