com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl 
1
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible theories
compatible people
2
: capable of cross-fertilizing freely or uniting vegetatively
3
: capable of forming a homogeneous mixture that neither separates nor is altered by chemical interaction
4
: capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without reaction (such as agglutination or tissue rejection)
5
: designed to work with another device or system without modification
The printer is compatible with most computers.
especially
: being a computer designed to operate in the same manner and use the same software as another computer
plural compatibles
: a device (such as a computer) or system designed to be used with another device or system without modification
This game is available on disk as well as in a full-voiced CD edition for PCs and compatibles.—
Scott A. May
Scott A. MayExamples of compatible in a Sentence
Adjective
two people with compatible personalities
This printer is compatible with most PCs.
Recent Examples on the Web
Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
To make the project compatible with existing computer infrastructure in the region, the project will also make use of what’s known as edge AI.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2019
In addition to its slightly larger 10.2-inch retina display, features like the Smart Connector make the new tablet compatible with the full-size Smart Keyboard once relegated to the iPad Pro.
—Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, 10 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for compatible
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Adjective
This Epicka Universal Travel Adapter is a T+L favorite overall pick due to its four different plug types that are compatible with over 200 sockets worldwide and its ability to charge up to six devices at once.
—Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025
To make the project compatible with existing computer infrastructure in the region, the project will also make use of what’s known as edge AI.
—Jeff Young, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
Noun
All televisions marketed as HDR-compatible should support this standard.
—Courtney Linder, Popular Mechanics, 18 Nov. 2019
In addition to its slightly larger 10.2-inch retina display, features like the Smart Connector make the new tablet compatible with the full-size Smart Keyboard once relegated to the iPad Pro.
—Patrick Lucas Austin, Time, 10 Sep. 2019
See All Example Sentences for compatible
Cite this Entry
“Compatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compatible. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compatible
adjective
com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl
1
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible colors
compatible devices
2
: able to cross-fertilize freely
compatible plants
Medical Definition
compatible
adjective
com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl
1
: capable of existing together in a satisfactory relationship (as marriage)
2
: capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without immunological reaction (as agglutination or tissue rejection)
treatment of hemophilia by transfusion of compatible blood
3
of medications
: capable of being administered jointly without interacting to produce deleterious effects or impairing their respective actions
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