adjective
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(of handwriting, etc) able to be read or deciphered; legible
-
(of style of writing) interesting, easy, or pleasant to read
Other Word Forms
- readability noun
- readably adverb
Etymology
Origin of readable
Explanation
Readable things can be understood, interpreted, or read fairly easily. A readable restaurant menu has print that's large and clear enough for diners to make it out. Whether or not something's readable is particularly important when you're conveying emergency instructions (like a sign showing how to help someone who's choking) or advertising something (customers can't find your store if they can't read the address in your advertisement). Another way to define readable is "fun and easy to read." Your favorite books, for example, might be fast-paced, readable mysteries.
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.
"We have created a tiny, but stable and repeatedly readable QR code."
From Science Daily • Mar. 29, 2026
The Berkshire proxy is readable and runs less than 20 pages and compares with the 100-plus page tomes that most big companies issue.
From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026
Using a special encryption code, the operatives could translate the numerals into a readable message.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026
Nick Hornby, chair of the judges, said the book was "both readable and intelligent" and "will be read and thought about for years to come".
From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026
Elizebeth and her team studied them, hoping to convert the numbers they’d decrypted into a readable message.
From "The Woman All Spies Fear" by Amy Butler Greenfield
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.
