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

convertibles plural

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

Derived Forms

• convertibility
  noun
• convertibleness
  noun
• nonconvertibility
  noun
• nonconvertibleness
  noun
• unconvertibility
  noun
• unconvertibleness
  noun
• nonconvertible
  adjective
• unconvertible
  adjective
• convertibly
  adverb
• nonconvertibly
  adverb
• unconvertibly
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• convertibles
  plural

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

See Examples For:

convertible convertibles

They also weigh how easily foreigners can trade in a market, how freely money can move and how convertible the currency is.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

He was a beloved monarch who drove his white Packard convertible alone through the countryside to meet his subjects, spoke seven languages and loved trains.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026

Deputies made contact with Pelosi shortly after the crash when they noticed a California Highway Patrol vehicle parked behind the brown convertible, which was partially blocking a Yountville roadway.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 4, 2026

In 2024, Strategy became one of the largest global convertible bond issuers, raising more than $6.2 billion in a single year to fund its bitcoin buying spree.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026

Constantin drove me to the UN in his old green convertible with cracked, comfortable brown leather seats and the top down.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

The Alphabet preferred yields more than 6%, versus 0.2% for the common stock, but the preferred lacks the security of traditional convertibles since it will be converted into Alphabet common in three years.

From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026

"So if you're someone who's passionate about convertibles and you want to see affordable models, It might be best to wait for the Chinese to take a bigger slice of the market."

From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026

Mandatory convertible preferred stock “is effectively yield-enhanced common stock,” says Michael Youngworth, head of global convertibles research at BofA Securities.

From Barron's ● Jun. 9, 2026

Twenty years ago, Chrysler’s sprawling lineup included midsize and large sedans, an SUV, the quirky PT Cruiser wagon, a sports car and multiple convertibles.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 4, 2026

Eyewitnesses later filled in what I could not see: parents’ cameras flashing, floodlights making a second day as the gorgeous couples disembark from limos and borrowed convertibles and promenade to the festive courts.

From "Stargirl" by Jerry Spinelli

Related Words

• adaptable