navigable

American  

[nav-i-guh-buhl] / ˈnæv ɪ gə bəl /

adjective

1. deep and wide enough to provide passage to ships.

   a navigable channel.

2. capable of being steered or guided, as a ship, aircraft, or missile.

3. Computers. designed or arranged in a way that facilitates moving from web page to web page or from one section to another on a website.

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navigable British  

/ ˈnævɪɡəbəl /

adjective

1. wide, deep, or safe enough to be sailed on or through

   a navigable channel

2. capable of being steered or controlled

   a navigable raft

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Other Word Forms

• navigability noun
• navigableness noun
• navigably adverb
• nonnavigability noun
• nonnavigable adjective
• nonnavigableness noun
• nonnavigably adverb
• unnavigability noun
• unnavigable adjective
• unnavigableness noun
• unnavigably adverb

Etymology

Origin of navigable

First recorded in 1520–30; from Latin nāvigābilis, equivalent to nāvigā(re) “to sail” ( navigate ) + -bilis -ble

Example Sentences

The WSV said it's difficult to say when the river will become fully navigable, as temperatures are expected to drop below freezing point again.

From Barron's

This US concern comes as climate change continues to make the Arctic Ocean more navigable for cargo ships, at least if icebreakers lead the way by cutting a path.

From BBC

It lays out specific conditions that must be met for federal jurisdiction—for instance, tributaries must have a predictable and consistent flow to navigable waters.

From The Wall Street Journal

Stretching from Alaska to the pencil tip of Argentina, the 48,000km-long Pan-American Highway holds the record for the world's longest road navigable by motor vehicle.

From BBC

Ben Cottam is the director of the Canal and River Trust for Wales which looks after navigable canals and waterways.

From BBC

Related Words

• passable