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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.


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.

Keep Reading on Vocabulary.com

Vocabulary lists containing collapsible

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

She offered a handy piece of advice: “I always pack a collapsible duffel on big trips and fill it with clothes on the way home so I can bring home half a suitcase of food.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 4, 2025

We also had collapsible shovels to help us dig if we were lucky enough to find our friend.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2025

In the 1840s, he invented a collapsible tube of tin in which to put his paint, rather than the pig bladders he and his counterparts had been struggling with for years, according to Finlay.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 19, 2023

An upbeat, bouncy number played as the Cranes wove in a single-file line around blankets and collapsible chairs and a dancing toddler dressed like a monkey.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman