navigable

adjective

nav·​i·​ga·​ble ˈna-vi-gə-bəl 

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

ˌna-vi-gə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

noun

navigably

ˈna-vi-gə-blē 

adverb

Synonyms

• negotiable
• passable

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

Each level presents a fascinating new puzzle, navigable through a precise combination of air-dashes, double jumps, and a world-specific wrinkle built into the architecture. —Luke Winkie, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2025

Snowplows and salt trucks were dispatched across affected regions to keep roads as navigable as possible during the ongoing storm. —Yaakov Katz, Newsweek, 27 Nov. 2024

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

The separation of civilizations and leaders, navigable rivers that provide new routes for trade and battles, plus an overhauled diplomacy system with a new influence mechanic all offer long-term players a host of fresh challenges. —Barry Collins, Forbes, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

navigable

adjective

nav·​i·​ga·​ble ˈnav-i-gə-bəl 

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

ˌnav-i-gə-ˈbil-ət-ē 

noun