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

The company secured $50 million in convertible debt to finance the AI pivot, causing its stock to soar 600%.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 15, 2026

Ayar Third Investment, an affiliate of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, committed $550 million worth of convertible preferred stock, “further strengthening the strategic partnership between the PIF and Lucid,” according to Lucid.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

Luxury car maker Rolls-Royce has unveiled a new two-seater electric convertible model.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

Oracle also sold convertible preferred stock in February, and has registered to sell equity shares.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

If by “celebrity,” you mean the guy who tosses candy from the back of a red convertible that leads Batavia’s annual Flag Day parade.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed

Related Words

• adaptable