programmable

American  

[proh-gram-uh-buhl, proh-gram-] / ˈproʊ græm ə bəl, proʊˈgræm- /

Or programable

adjective

1. capable of being programmed.

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noun

1. an electronic device, as a calculator or telephone, that can be programmed to perform specific tasks.

programmable British  

/ prəʊˈɡræməbəl /

adjective

1. (esp of a device or operation) capable of being programmed for automatic operation or computer processing

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Other Word Forms

• programmability
  noun
• nonprogrammable
  adjective
• reprogrammable
  adjective
• unprogrammable
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of programmable

First recorded in 1955–60; program + -able

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

programmable

Number of internet-facing programmable logic controllers in use at organizations across the U.S. and Canada, according to research from cyber company Forescout.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026

Researchers at Seoul National University and the University of Seoul have developed a programmable photonic integrated circuit that can slow light whenever needed.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

If the technology is commercialized, a single programmable optical chip could perform several tasks, including controlling signal speed and switching between different functions.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

Or, use a smart thermostat: A programmable or smart thermostat automates the heavy lifting, raising temperatures when you’re at work and dropping them right before you walk through the door.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 29, 2026

Babbage designed schematics for a programmable computer, something that could process mathematical equations in place of the human mind.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel