potable

1 of 2

adjective

po·​ta·​ble ˈpō-tə-bəl How to pronounce potable (audio)
 military often  ˈpä-
: suitable for drinking
potability noun
potableness
ˈpō-tə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce potable (audio)
 military often  ˈpä-
noun

potable

2 of 2

noun

: a liquid that is suitable for drinking
especially : an alcoholic beverage

Examples of potable in a Sentence

Adjective around here, the only potable water comes from wells Noun hid the potables in the back hall closet keeps the wet bar stocked with an array of top-shelf liquors, mixers, and other fine potables
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.
Adjective
Instead, Israel has conducted a campaign of broad devastation in Gaza, attacking the territory’s civilian population; demolishing its health, educational, and social infrastructure; and destroying its food production, shelter, and sources of potable water. John Spencer, Foreign Affairs, 18 Nov. 2024 The restaurant, like so many others, is temporarily closed because the city has no potable water. Zulekha Nathoo, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024
Noun
Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune fans might need to break out the potent potables after reading this news: The 24/7 Pluto channels devoted to both shows have quietly ended their runs on the platform. Josef Adalian, Vulture, 2 Aug. 2024 Its high-end potables have since won awards in beer strongholds Germany and Belgium, and the powerhouse Carlsberg Group recently bought a minority stake. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for potable 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin potabilis, from Latin potare to drink; akin to Latin bibere to drink, Greek pinein

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near potable

Cite this Entry

“Potable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potable. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

potable

adjective
po·​ta·​ble
ˈpōt-ə-bəl
: suitable for drinking
potability
ˌpōt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun

Medical Definition

potable

1 of 2 adjective
po·​ta·​ble ˈpōt-ə-bəl How to pronounce potable (audio)
: suitable for drinking
potable water

potable

2 of 2 noun
: a liquid that is suitable for drinking
especially : an alcoholic beverage

More from Merriam-Webster on potable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!