navigable

adjective

nav·​i·​ga·​ble ˈna-vi-gə-bəl How to pronounce navigable (audio)
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 noun
navigably adverb

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.
With more than 500 square miles of navigable waters, the Bay and its tributaries have kayak outfitters with key locations for spectacular views of San Francisco. Jill K. Robinson, AFAR Media, 20 Mar. 2025 There are more than one hundred kilometers of hiking trails to explore throughout the preserve, with destinations spanning from the easily-navigable Leska Educational Trail to the verdant Schlosser’s Meadow—but for birdwatchers in particular, the source of the Kupa River is the perfect spot. Jared Ranahan, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025 There is no road that circumnavigates the perimeter, at least not easily navigable by car, so being on one side of the island tends to root you there. Lauren Mowery, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 Any individual, company or federal or state agency that wants to build a project in navigable waters of the United States, or discharge anything into those waters or wetlands, needs a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers. Lisa Friedman, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025 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

Cite this Entry

“Navigable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/navigable. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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 noun

More from Merriam-Webster on navigable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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