reversible

American  

[ri-vur-suh-buhl] / rɪˈvɜr sə bəl /

adjective

1. capable of reversing or of being reversed.

2. able to be reversed or undone so that the original condition is restored.

   Some changes caused by hormonal steroids are not reversible, such as male pattern baldness.

   I knew I'd probably have to replace the canvas someday, so I used a reversible adhesive for easy removal.

3. (of a fabric) woven or printed so that either side may be exposed.

4. that can be worn or displayed with either side out.

   No matter which way he wears this reversible jacket, he'll be warm and stylish.

5. able to be installed so as to be used with either hand, turn clockwise or counterclockwise, open on either side, etc..

   Quiet, roomy, and with a reversible door, this refrigerator comes with a 10-year warranty.

---

noun

1. a garment, especially a coat, that can be worn with either side exposed.

reversible British  

/ rɪˈvɜːsəbəl /

adjective

1. capable of being reversed

   a reversible decision

2. capable of returning to an original condition

3. chem physics capable of assuming or producing either of two possible states and changing from one to the other

   a reversible reaction

4. thermodynamics (of a change, process, etc) occurring through a number of intermediate states that are all in thermodynamic equilibrium

5. (of a fabric or garment) woven, printed, or finished so that either side may be used as the outer side

---

noun

1. a reversible garment, esp a coat

Other Word Forms

• nonreversible adjective
• nonreversibly adverb
• reversibility noun
• reversibleness noun
• reversibly adverb
• unreversible adjective
• unreversibly adverb

Etymology

Origin of reversible

First recorded in 1640–50; reverse + -ible

Explanation

A sweater designed to be worn right-side-out and inside-out is reversible. The health effects of a cold are reversible, too. Reversible means able to be undone or able to be used inside-out. The great thing about reversible clothes is that it's like getting two pieces for the price of one. The great thing about reversible damage is that it can be fixed. Damage that can't be fixed is called irreversible, but t-shirts meant to be worn only one way are simply called t-shirts.

Example Sentences

Torero warned the bottleneck in marine traffic since the conflict began on February 28 meant even if Hormuz were to reopen immediately "infrastructure damage is not fully reversible in the short term."

From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026

Maternal regret isn't always reversible "in a neat or total sense," says Mathur.

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

And I think it’s reversible, I really do.

From Slate • Mar. 10, 2026

In a report last month, S&P Global Ratings said it believes authorities are working to address issues that have led to foreign portfolio outflows, viewing the damage to investor confidence as reversible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 4, 2026

I only had on my reversible and no gloves or anything.

From "The Catcher in the Rye" by J. D. Salinger

Related Words

• capricious
• fickle
• fluctuating
• mercurial
• protean
• shifting
• unpredictable
• unsettled
• unstable
• varying
• volatile