potable

American  

[poh-tuh-buhl] / ˈpoʊ tə bəl /

adjective

1. fit or suitable for drinking.

   potable water.

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noun

1. Usually potables. drinkable liquids; beverages.

potable British  

/ ˈpəʊtəbəl /

adjective

1. fit to drink; drinkable

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noun

1. something fit to drink; a beverage

Other Word Forms

• nonpotable adjective
• potability noun
• potableness noun
• unpotable adjective

Etymology

Origin of potable

1565–75; < Late Latin pōtābilis drinkable, equivalent to Latin pōtā ( re ) to drink + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

The region has become the fastest growing market for electric cars, and China is also the largest investor in desalination in the Middle East, where potable water is scarce.

From BBC

There are shortages of food and potable water.

From The Wall Street Journal

We've also got concerns about the ability of some of those ships to produce potable water.

From Barron's

Relatives of the detained crew members allege they have been confined to a tiny room on the vessel without proper food or potable drinking water.

From BBC

Several are backpacking sites and do not offer potable water.

From Los Angeles Times