versatile

adjective

ver·​sa·​tile ˈvər-sə-tᵊl How to pronounce versatile (audio)
especially British
-ˌtī(-ə)l How to pronounce versatile (audio)
1
: embracing a variety of subjects, fields, or skills
also : turning with ease from one thing to another
2
: having many uses or applications
versatile building material
3
: changing or fluctuating readily : variable
a versatile disposition
4
a(1)
: capable of turning forward or backward : reversible
a versatile toe of a bird
(2)
: capable of moving laterally and up and down
versatile antennae
b
of an anther : having the filaments attached at or near the middle so as to swing freely
versatilely
ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-(l)ē How to pronounce versatile (audio)
-ˌtī(-ə)l-lē
adverb
versatileness
ˈvər-sə-tᵊl-nəs How to pronounce versatile (audio)
-ˌtī(-ə)l-nəs
noun

Examples of versatile in a Sentence

Horses stand apart because of their versatile roles in human society, which came to include dairy production, transportation, haulage, plowing, sports, warfare, religion, and status. Sandra L. Olsen, Natural History, May 2008
Linemen have to be nimble, corners physical and linebackers versatile. Peter King, Sports Illustrated, 22 Dec. 2008
Adobos are the Philippines' most beloved, and most versatile, dishes. They consist of meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables (such as okra and eggplant) slow-cooked in an aromatic broth of vinegar or coconut milk, garlic, black pepper, bay leaves, and, sometimes, soy sauce until virtually all the liquid has evaporated. Amy Besa, Saveur, December 2008
This year's Nobel Prize in Chemistry went to three scientists for their work on a versatile strategy for synthesizing all manner of novel chemical compounds in an environmentally friendly way.  … The three scientists focused on a reaction called metathesis … A. Cunningham, Science News, 15 Oct. 2005
Within weeks [Gerd] Binnig, then 38 and with an infant daughter, worked with a colleague to build a prototype for what has become one of the most versatile scientific tools ever created: the atomic force microscope, or AFM. Ivan Amato, Fortune, 14 June 2004
She is a versatile athlete who participates in many different sports. A pocketknife is a versatile tool.
Recent Examples on the Web And the members of his touring band are versatile enough to underscore those vocals with the perfect part, including some show-stopping leads by guitarist Beau Tackett. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 24 Mar. 2024 The base is a nice woven basket that’s versatile enough to use in any room year-round. Alida Nugent, Peoplemag, 23 Mar. 2024 Leggings tend to be more versatile for everyday wear as well. Jessica MacDonald, Travel + Leisure, 22 Mar. 2024 The versatile Curl, 25, is expected to be a key piece of a defense going through an overhaul in the aftermath of star lineman Aaron Donald’s retirement. Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 Onstage were a few chairs and some versatile rolling cases stencilled with punctuation marks. Mary Norris, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 The brand's versatile and classic styles are designed to endure, encouraging customers to invest in pieces that can be worn for years to come. Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 16 Mar. 2024 Ferns are extremely versatile: There are thousands to choose from and many are frost hardy. Marissa Wu, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2024 For a powerful fan that’s well-made and versatile, the Pelonis Standing Fan is our top pick. Camryn Rabideau, Peoplemag, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'versatile.' 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

borrowed from Latin versātilis "able to turn, operated by turning, capable of turning to different tasks," from versāre "to keep turning" (frequentative of vertere "to turn") + -tilis, suffix with the sense "characterized by, obtained by" — more at worth entry 1

First Known Use

1605, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of versatile was in 1605

Dictionary Entries Near versatile

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

versatile

adjective
ver·​sa·​tile ˈvər-sət-ᵊl How to pronounce versatile (audio)
: able to do many different kinds of things
versatility
ˌvər-sə-ˈtil-ət-ē
noun
Etymology

from French versatile or Latin versatilis, both meaning "versatile, able to change," derived from Latin versari "to turn, change, reside (in a place)," from vertere "to turn" — related to converse, reverse, universe, vertical, vice versa

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