quotable

American  

[kwoh-tuh-buhl] / ˈkwoʊ tə bəl /

adjective

1. able to be quoted or easily quoted, as by reason of effectiveness, succinctness, or the like.

   the most quotable book of the season.

2. suitable or appropriate for quotation.

   His comments were hilarious but unfortunately not quotable.

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quotable British  

/ ˈkwəʊtəbəl /

adjective

1. apt or suitable for quotation

   his remarks are not quotable in mixed company

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• quotably
  adverb
• unquotable
  adjective
• quotableness
  noun
• quotability
  noun

Etymology

Origin of quotable

First recorded in 1815–25; quote + -able

Explanation

Quotable things are so catchy or apt that you'll want to repeat them or write them down to remember them. A really funny movie is usually full of hilarious, quotable lines. When you quote something, you repeat it out loud or write it down, word for word. If the phrase or passage is good enough for this to be worthwhile, it's quotable. Shakespeare is famous for the number of quotable lines his plays contain, from "To be, or not to be: that is the question," to "A man can die but once." Quotable lines are good for speeches and yearbook quotes, as well as impressing your friends.

Example Sentences

Appeared in the May 5, 2026, print edition as 'Notable & Quotable: Cancer'.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 4, 2026

Appeared in the March 12, 2026, print edition as 'Notable & Quotable: Revenge'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

Appeared in the March 7, 2026, print edition as 'Notable & Quotable: Loud Kids in Church'.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Appeared in the February 24, 2026, print edition as 'Notable & Quotable: Media vs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

Quotable matter is generally considered to be strongly veined with thought.

From The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 13, No. 75, January, 1864 by Various