ENGLISH
REFERENCE

inflatable

adj.
B1 Intermediate US //ɪnˈfɫeɪtəbəɫ// UK //ɪnflˈeɪtəbəl// in·flat·able

adj. describing something that you can fill with air to make it larger and firm. You use this for things like balloons, lifeboats, or mattresses.

adj. designed to be filled with air or gas before use to achieve a specific shape or volume. Often used attributively to describe equipment that is portable when deflated.


SIMPLE

We brought an inflatable mattress for our camping trip.

CONTEXTUAL

The safety regulations require every small vessel to carry an inflatable life raft in case of emergencies.

COMPLEX

The expedition relied on inflatable boats because they could be easily transported across the rugged terrain between the various river systems.

Origin

From inflate + -able.

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies; often used in technical or recreational contexts.

© 2026 English Reference