inflatable

American  

[in-fley-tuh-buhl] / ɪnˈfleɪ tə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being inflated.

2. designed or built to be inflated before use.

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noun

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

Derived Forms

• reinflatable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of inflatable

First recorded in 1875–80; inflate + -able

Explanation

Something inflatable can be blown up or filled with air. A balloon is inflatable — you can either blow it up, or fill it with helium so that it floats. Car tires are inflatable, and so are beach balls, bicycle inner tubes, floating pool toys, bouncy castles, air mattresses, and some lightweight boats. If you're in a car accident, the inflatable air bag will fill quickly to protect you from hitting the dashboard. The adjective inflatable comes from the Latin inflare, "to blow into or puff up."

Example Sentences

Protesters gathered on a sandy beach facing azure waters, some waving red Albanian flags, others carrying inflatable flamingos -- the movement’s symbol -- while chanting "cancel the project!"

From Barron's • Jun. 6, 2026

The mission used inflatable cushions to pull it to the surface before dragging it back to the North Sea on a floating platform.

From BBC • May 31, 2026

Despite experts warning that trying to save the creature would only cause it more pain, two multi-millionaires then jumped in with an elaborate rescue plan involving inflatable cushions and pontoons.

From Barron's • Apr. 23, 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

While Emma touches up Lily’s sunscreen, I pull out my inflatable crocodile.

From "South of Somewhere" by Kalena Miller