Variable
/[ˈvæɹ.i.ə.bl̩]/ adj, noun
adj, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Something that is variable.
- 2 a quantity that can assume any of a set of values wordnet
- 3 Something whose value may be dictated or discovered.
"There are several variables to consider here."
- 4 a symbol (like x or y) that is used in mathematical or logical expressions to represent a variable quantity wordnet
- 5 A quantity that may assume any one of a set of values.
Show 7 more definitions
- 6 something that is likely to vary; something that is subject to variation wordnet
- 7 A symbol representing a variable.
- 8 a star that varies noticeably in brightness wordnet
- 9 A named memory location in which a program can store intermediate results and from which it can read them.
- 10 A variable star.
- 11 A shifting wind, or one that varies in force.
- 12 Those parts of the sea where a steady wind is not expected, especially the parts between the trade-wind belts. in-plural
Adjective
- 1 Able to vary or be varied.
"variable winds or seasons; a variable quantity; a variable resistor"
- 2 Likely to vary.
"Lest that thy love prove likewise variable."
- 3 Marked by diversity or difference.
- 4 Having no fixed quantitative value.
- 5 Tending to deviate from a normal or recognized type.
Adjective
- 1 (used of a device) designed so that a property (as e.g. light) can be varied wordnet
- 2 liable to or capable of change wordnet
- 3 marked by diversity or difference wordnet
Example
More examples"The sea ice is highly variable - frozen solid during cold, calm weather and broken up in large areas of open water during storms."
Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English in the 14th century from Old French variable, from Latin variare (“to change”), from varius (“different, various”). Equates to English vary + -able.
Related phrases
More for "variable"
Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.