potable

1 of 2

adjective

po·​ta·​ble ˈpō-tə-bəl How to pronounce potable (audio)
 military often  ˈpä-
: suitable for drinking
potability noun
potableness
ˈpō-tə-bəl-nəs How to pronounce potable (audio)
 military often  ˈpä-
noun

potable

2 of 2

noun

: a liquid that is suitable for drinking
especially : an alcoholic beverage

Examples of potable in a Sentence

Adjective around here, the only potable water comes from wells Noun hid the potables in the back hall closet keeps the wet bar stocked with an array of top-shelf liquors, mixers, and other fine potables
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Adjective
In terms of specific needs, the post goes on to describe how parts of the city are still without potable water, but that some hotels have managed to secure their own sources of water. Will McGough, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Hospitals like Mission need potable water for staff to sanitize equipment, clean wounds and simply wash their hands with soap. Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 15 Oct. 2024
Noun
Its high-end potables have since won awards in beer strongholds Germany and Belgium, and the powerhouse Carlsberg Group recently bought a minority stake. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 4 Aug. 2024 That outlook bodes well for Beck and her partner, Tyler Trotter, who between them have logged almost 40 years in the beer industry and whose passion for potables is embodied in their selection of an old Unitarian church as the home for their flagship temple of beer. Valerie Rains, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2023 See all Example Sentences for potable 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Late Latin potabilis, from Latin potare to drink; akin to Latin bibere to drink, Greek pinein

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun

circa 1625, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of potable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near potable

Cite this Entry

“Potable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potable. Accessed 12 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

potable

adjective
po·​ta·​ble
ˈpōt-ə-bəl
: suitable for drinking
potability
ˌpōt-ə-ˈbil-ət-ē
noun

Medical Definition

potable

1 of 2 adjective
po·​ta·​ble ˈpōt-ə-bəl How to pronounce potable (audio)
: suitable for drinking
potable water

potable

2 of 2 noun
: a liquid that is suitable for drinking
especially : an alcoholic beverage

More from Merriam-Webster on potable

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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