operable

American  

[op-er-uh-buhl, op-ruh-] / ˈɒp ər ə bəl, ˈɒp rə- /

adjective

1. that can be treated by a surgical operation.

2. capable of being put into use, operation, or practice.

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operable British  

/ ˈɒprə-, ˈɒpərəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being treated by a surgical operation

2. capable of being operated

3. capable of being put into practice

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Other Word Forms

• nonoperable adjective
• operability noun
• operably adverb

Etymology

Origin of operable

1640–50; < Late Latin operābilis, equivalent to operā ( rī ) to work + -bilis -ble

Explanation

Anything operable can be used, or it can be operated on. Now that you've replaced the flat tire on your bike, it's operable. And that boil on the tip of your nose? That's also operable (Whew!). Things that work or are ready to be of service are operable, like the vacuum cleaner that's been tuned up and has a brand new bag in it, your new waffle iron that you've seasoned and plugged in, or the mayor's extensive plan for reducing homelessness. Another, much more medical way to use this adjective is to mean "able to be treated with an operation," like an operable knee problem or operable skin cancer.

Example Sentences

Since 2015, it has restarted 15 out of its 33 operable reactors.

From BBC • Jan. 21, 2026

When asked about the more robust preparations in 2011, he said the department’s fleet of operable engines was larger back then.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 18, 2025

"These findings add to evidence that the perioperative immunotherapy path gives patients with operable lung cancer an opportunity to live longer without their cancer returning."

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

The LA County Sheriff’s Department currently has only 23 operable buses out of a total of 82, and there have been days when as few as six were running, supervisors said.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 21, 2024

Minutes into this process, I found that of seven shower cells, only two were operable.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover