convertible

American  

[kuhn-vur-tuh-buhl] / kənˈvɜr tə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of being converted.

2. having a folding top, as an automobile or pleasure boat.

3. exchangeable for something of equal value.

   debts payable only in convertible currencies.

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noun

1. an automobile or a boat with a folding top.

2. a sofa, couch, or chair whose seating section can be folded out into a bed.

3. Finance. a convertible bond or security.

convertible British  

/ kənˈvɜːtəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being converted

2. (of a car) having a folding or removable roof

3. finance

   1. a bond or debenture that can be converted to ordinary or preference shares on a fixed date at a fixed price

   2. (of a paper currency) exchangeable on demand for precious metal to an equivalent value

   3. able to be converted into a longer term mortgage without financial penalty

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noun

1. a car with a folding or removable roof

Other Word Forms

• convertibility
  noun
• convertibleness
  noun
• convertibly
  adverb
• nonconvertibility
  noun
• nonconvertible
  adjective
• nonconvertibleness
  noun
• nonconvertibly
  adverb
• unconvertibility
  noun
• unconvertible
  adjective
• unconvertibleness
  noun
• unconvertibly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of convertible

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English word from Medieval Latin word convertibilis. See convert ¹, -ible

Explanation

If it starts to rain while you’re riding in a convertible car with the top down, you can always put the top back up. Convertible is an adjective that means “capable of changing from one form to another.” Something that is convertible can be changed or transformed from one thing to another. Money, for instance, is convertible because it can be changed from one currency to another — for example, from dollars to euros. A sofa bed is convertible because it can be transformed from a sofa into a bed. Likewise, a convertible jacket is a jacket that can be changed (by removing the sleeves or an inner lining) depending on the weather.

Example Sentences

It also has to pay $675.8 million in principal on convertible notes and a term loan by the end of 2026.

From MarketWatch • May 8, 2026

So far this year CoreWeave has secured over $21 billion in financing through equity sales, two delayed-draw borrowing facilities, senior notes, and convertible debt.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

The vehicle is a hybrid convertible powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter V6 and an electric motor, producing a combined 819 horsepower.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 22, 2026

Reporters spotted him outside loading his belongings into the back of a Mustang convertible with vanity plates “ART WAR.”

From Salon • Apr. 22, 2026

My mother saw them in the village a lot, because Jane used to drive to market with her mother in this LaSalle convertible they had.

From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• adaptable