flammable

[flam-uh-buhl]

adjective

1. easily set on fire; combustible; inflammable.

flammable

/ ˈflæməbəl /

adjective

1. liable to catch fire; readily combustible; inflammable

Usage

Flammable and inflammable are interchangeable when used of the properties of materials. Flammable is, however, often preferred for warning labels as there is less likelihood of misunderstanding ( inflammable being sometimes taken to mean not flammable ). Inflammable is preferred in figurative contexts: this could prove to be an inflammable situation

Confusables Note

See inflammable.

Other Word Forms

• flammability noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flammable¹

First recorded in 1805–15; from Latin flammā(re) “to set on fire” + -ble

Example Sentences

"This was preventable... A lot of people did not do their duties," the 33-year-old tells the BBC, claiming that the renovation firm used "poor quality, flammable materials".

Read more on BBC

The cause of the fire is still unclear, but authorities believe renovations using flammable material and scaffolding helped spread what has now become the deadliest blaze in Hong Kong in six decades.

Read more on BBC

Officials found flammable materials that may have accelerated the fire, including styrofoam used to seal windows, protective netting, canvas and plastic sheets.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Investigators also found packaging foam at the site which they said was highly flammable and could have contributed to the quick progression of the blaze.

Read more on Barron's

He has eliminated any brush or flammable plants near his home and surrounds it in gravel to prevent his home from catching fire.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• combustible 
• incendiary