durable
Americanadjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of durable
First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French, from Latin dūrābilis; see dure 2, -able
Explanation
Something that is built to last is durable. Your most durable pair of hiking boots will last you through your trek to the summit of Mount Everest. Anything that's long-lasting, sturdy, or doesn't bend under pressure can be described as durable. You could have a durable relationship with your oldest friend, durable tires on your car, and a durable umbrella — they won't let you down or break. The Latin root of durable is durabilis, which means "lasting or permanent," and comes from durare, "to harden."
Vocabulary lists containing durable
100 SAT Words Beginning with "D"
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This Week in Words: February 9 - 15, 2019
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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.
Romualdo Pacheco’s term lasted just a shade over nine months, and his person and heritage left a more durable impression than any politics he espoused during his short tenure.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 4, 2026
Oil markets have begun to “shed the entrenched optimism about a quick and durable end to the war disruption.”
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 29, 2026
The researchers tackled this problem by adapting precision manufacturing techniques from the semiconductor industry, allowing lithium to accumulate more evenly while encouraging the development of a durable protective layer.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 28, 2026
Demand for U.S. durable goods was up in September, according to data published by the Commerce Department.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
She loved experimenting with differing amounts of pigments and binders, seeking the clearest, most durable colors.
From "The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science" by Joyce Sidman
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
