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.

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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

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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

Reversible courses can be played in two different directions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Sep. 26, 2025

Lander Reversible Sweats: These sweats out of Portland are reversible, containing two styles in one, and are made of soft double-knit cotton with no itchy seams, tags or zippers.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 14, 2021

After her most recent delivery, she had received one of the newest and best forms of contraception, called a Long-Acting Reversible Contraceptive.

From Slate • May 3, 2017

Reversible impairment, or destruction of bodily function that isn’t “major,” doesn’t count.

From Time • Dec. 20, 2016

Reversible perspective of a group of rings or of a tube 70 34.

From Visual Illusions Their Causes, Characteristics and Applications by Luckiesh, Matthew

Related Words

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