collapsible

American  

[kuh-lap-suh-buhl] / kəˈlæp sə bəl /

Or collapsable

adjective

1. capable of collapsing or of being collapsed, as for carrying or storing.

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noun

1. something that is collapsible.

   The auditorium chairs are collapsibles that store easily.

Other Word Forms

• collapsability noun
• collapsibility noun
• noncollapsability noun
• noncollapsable adjective
• noncollapsibility noun
• noncollapsible adjective
• precollapsability noun
• precollapsable adjective
• precollapsibility noun
• precollapsible adjective
• uncollapsable adjective
• uncollapsible adjective

Etymology

Origin of collapsible

First recorded in 1835–45; collapse + -ible

Explanation

Something that can be folded down into a manageable size is said to be collapsible, i.e., able to be collapsed. It is used as an adjective, as in "He folded up the collapsible table and put it in his car." Collapsible is formed from the verb collapse, which comes from the Latin collāpsus, "fallen together." This makes sense, since something that is collapsible "falls" into a tighter, more compact size or shape. Of course, anything that is able to fall can be considered collapsible, but the word refers more to something that is intentionally made to fall, rather than something like a rickety building that might collapse.

Example Sentences

Under Plan B, the four astronauts are using personal reusable containers called "collapsible contingency urine disposal devices."

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

The astronauts have instead used an alternative system which involves collapsible plastic containers that collect their urine.

From BBC • Apr. 5, 2026

He set up extra collapsible stables instead and called in additional staff.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 14, 2026

The company’s collapsible pipes can be unspooled, connecting any available water source to a fire zone up to 50 miles away.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2025

Late dinners were carried out onto the night lawns and set upon collapsible tables, and they picked at these slowly until two o’clock and the light-radio message flashed from Earth.

From "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury