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

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

The Mississippi River basin, draining into the Father of Waters, contains more miles of navigable river than the entire rest of the world put together. —The Editors, National Review, 28 Nov. 2024

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

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