com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpa-tə-bəl 
1
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible theories
compatible people
2
: capable of cross-fertilizing freely or uniting vegetatively
3
: capable of forming a homogeneous mixture that neither separates nor is altered by chemical interaction
4
: capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without reaction (such as agglutination or tissue rejection)
5
: designed to work with another device or system without modification
The printer is compatible with most computers.
especially
: being a computer designed to operate in the same manner and use the same software as another computer
plural compatibles
: a device (such as a computer) or system designed to be used with another device or system without modification
This game is available on disk as well as in a full-voiced CD edition for PCs and compatibles.—
Scott A. May
Scott A. MaySynonyms
Examples of compatible in a Sentence
Adjective
two people with compatible personalities
This printer is compatible with most PCs.
Recent Examples on the WebVictoria Song, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2024
It's got a QI wireless fast charger that kicks into action when a compatible device is placed on top of the box, as well as a traditional powered USB-A port.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2024
IEEE Spectrum, 6 Dec. 2018
Custom-tailored for each astronaut, the suits are roughly 10 pounds lighter than their bulky orange predecessors, and come equipped with some top-notch features including thinner, more-flexible helmets and gloves that are touch-screen compatible.
—Amy Klinkhammer, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2017
See all Example Sentences for compatible 
Adjective
The Federal Communications Commission announced that, going forward, all mobile handsets in the US including smartphones will have to be compatible with hearing aids.
—Victoria Song, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2024
It's got a QI wireless fast charger that kicks into action when a compatible device is placed on top of the box, as well as a traditional powered USB-A port.
—Michael Franco, New Atlas, 18 Oct. 2024
Noun
RadioShack was the biggest retailer of PCs through 1982, at which point its TRS-80 line began to be eclipsed by more powerful and versatile machines, including IBM’s Personal Computer, various IBM PC-compatibles, and Apple’s Macintosh line.
—IEEE Spectrum, 6 Dec. 2018
Custom-tailored for each astronaut, the suits are roughly 10 pounds lighter than their bulky orange predecessors, and come equipped with some top-notch features including thinner, more-flexible helmets and gloves that are touch-screen compatible.
—Amy Klinkhammer, Discover Magazine, 27 Jan. 2017
See all Example Sentences for compatible
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'compatible.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near compatible
Cite this Entry
“Compatible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/compatible. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
compatible
adjective
com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl
1
: capable of existing together in harmony
compatible colors
compatible devices
2
: able to cross-fertilize freely
compatible plants
Medical Definition
compatible
adjective
com·pat·i·ble
kəm-ˈpat-ə-bəl
1
: capable of existing together in a satisfactory relationship (as marriage)
2
: capable of being used in transfusion or grafting without immunological reaction (as agglutination or tissue rejection)
treatment of hemophilia by transfusion of compatible blood
3
of medications
: capable of being administered jointly without interacting to produce deleterious effects or impairing their respective actions
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