durable

adjective

du·​ra·​ble ˈdu̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
 also  ˈdyu̇r-
: able to exist for a long time without significant deterioration in quality or value
a durable suitcase
also : designed to be durable
durable goods
durability noun
durableness noun
durably
ˈdu̇r-ə-blē How to pronounce durable (audio)
ˈdyu̇r-
adverb

Did you know?

Something durable lasts a long time, so it's no surprise that the word comes to us, via Anglo-French, from the Latin verb durare, meaning "to last." Other descendants of durare in English include during, endure, and durance (which now mostly turns up in the phrase "in durance vile," a fancy way of saying "in prison"). Durable even has a near synonym in the much rarer perdurable, which combines durare with the prefix per- (meaning "throughout") to create a word that can mean "lasting a very long time or indefinitely" or "eternal."

Choose the Right Synonym for durable

lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established.

lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

Examples of durable in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Also, the synthetic leather upper is durable and easy to clean, and the pin buckle makes the straps adjustable. Kayla Blanton, Peoplemag, 18 Mar. 2024 The leather exterior is durable enough to wear during long walking days without getting run down, while supportive midsoles are built to absorb shock for a more comfortable day spent on your feet. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2024 These yarns are durable enough to resist mold, mildew, stains, and UV rays. Lee Alisha Williams, Southern Living, 15 Mar. 2024 Her sudden, eyebrow-raising stardom now looks durable and multifaceted. August Brown, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024 This roomy wheeled duffel will see them through any adventure, thanks to the durable and sustainable construction, sturdy oversized wheels, and padded walls. Paula Lee, Glamour, 14 Mar. 2024 Here are three durable ways the pandemic shaped the law at work. Dan Eaton, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Mar. 2024 The opener is made of plastic and metal and is durable enough to withstand the most stubborn of stuck lids. Michelle Love, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Mar. 2024 Terracotta Recycled Resin Planter This terracotta resin planter is beautiful, durable, lightweight, and sturdy. Christianna Silva, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'durable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin durabilis, from durare to last — more at during

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of durable was in the 14th century

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Dictionary Entries Near durable

Cite this Entry

“Durable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/durable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

durable

adjective
du·​ra·​ble ˈd(y)u̇r-ə-bəl How to pronounce durable (audio)
: able to last a long time
durable clothing
durable goods
durably adverb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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