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: December 30, 2017 - January 5, 2018
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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.
One of its most important ingredients is chitin, a durable natural material that provides structure and strength.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026
Just as there’s no denying the popular place in the repertoire of Peter Shaffer’s “Amadeus,” there’s no gainsaying the durable position in the canon of Dürrenmatt’s “The Visit.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 16, 2026
Domestic demand remains sluggish, reflected in weak consumer durable goods inflation and a soft summer travel season, according to Citi.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 15, 2026
A durable power-of-attorney document oversees your financial and medical decisions if/when such issues arise.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 14, 2026
When I get home, I’ll replace the bark rope with rawhide, as that will be more durable.
From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
