navigable

adjective

nav·​i·​ga·​ble ˈna-vi-gə-bəl How to pronounce navigable (audio)
Synonyms of navigablenext
1
a
: deep enough and wide enough to afford passage to ships
navigable waterways
b
: capable of being navigated
navigable terrain
2
: capable of being steered
navigability
ˌna-vi-gə-ˈbi-lə-tē How to pronounce navigable (audio)
noun
navigably
ˈna-vi-gə-blē How to pronounce navigable (audio)
adverb

Synonyms of navigable

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Examples of navigable in a Sentence

The marsh was navigable only by canoe. this map shows which rivers are navigable and which aren't
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Based on [the idea] that there is no navigable water in Colorado. — Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 10 June 2026 One of the best ways to explore the city is by water on the city’s 300 miles of navigable waterways. — Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 20 June 2026 The closures include all parking lots, facilities and navigable waterways within that area. — Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026 That foundation makes everything that follows—diagnosis, treatment, ongoing care—feel more navigable. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 1 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for navigable

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of navigable was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

navigability
navigable
navigable airspace
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Navigable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navigable. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

navigable

adjective
nav·​i·​ga·​ble ˈnav-i-gə-bəl How to pronounce navigable (audio)
1
a
: deep and wide enough to permit passage to ships
navigable rivers
b
: capable of being navigated
navigable terrain
2
: capable of being steered
a navigable balloon
navigability
ˌnav-i-gə-ˈbil-ət-ē How to pronounce navigable (audio)
noun

More from Merriam-Webster on navigable

Nglish: Translation of navigable for Spanish Speakers

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