versatile
adjective
ver·sa·tile
ˈvər-sə-tᵊl 
especially British
-ˌtī(-ə)l
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
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.
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
The versatile wardrobe essential can be dressed up with black boots or down with canvas sneakers.
—Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025
This versatile light bulb integrates seamlessly with the Alexa, Google, and SmartThing ecosystems and works with a host of other smart home devices using the U home app and IFTTT applets.
—PCMAG, 15 Feb. 2025
One of the oldest names in American overlanding, Four Wheel Campers looks to change the game with a pickup camper that's more customizable and versatile than just about any other camper or RV out there.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2025
But the 22-year-old has proved to be a versatile performer, with Nuno favouring him in central midfield, the position Ward-Prowse plays.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for versatile
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 15 Feb. 2025
This versatile light bulb integrates seamlessly with the Alexa, Google, and SmartThing ecosystems and works with a host of other smart home devices using the U home app and IFTTT applets.
—PCMAG, 15 Feb. 2025
One of the oldest names in American overlanding, Four Wheel Campers looks to change the game with a pickup camper that's more customizable and versatile than just about any other camper or RV out there.
—New Atlas, 14 Feb. 2025
But the 22-year-old has proved to be a versatile performer, with Nuno favouring him in central midfield, the position Ward-Prowse plays.
—Roshane Thomas, The Athletic, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for versatile
Cite this Entry
“Versatile.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/versatile. Accessed 1 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
versatile
adjective
ver·sa·tile
ˈvər-sət-ᵊl
: able to do many different kinds of things
versatility
noun
ˌvər-sə-ˈtil-ət-ē
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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