English Reference

Word

navigable

Phoneticsnav·i·ga·ble

US/ˈnævəɡəbəɫ/

UK/nˈævɪɡəbəl/

Definition

adj. easy to use or understand. You use this to describe a website, a map, or a system that is not confusing.

adj. capable of being easily navigated or understood. Often describes digital interfaces, physical spaces, or complex systems that allow for smooth movement or clear direction.

Examples

“The website is very navigable and easy to use.”

“The city's new subway system is highly navigable, with clear signs and helpful maps at every station.”

“A well-designed software interface must be both intuitive and navigable, ensuring that even novice users can complete complex tasks without becoming frustrated by the layout.”

Examples

simple

“The website is very navigable and easy to use.”

contextual

“The city's new subway system is highly navigable, with clear signs and helpful maps at every station.”

complex

“A well-designed software interface must be both intuitive and navigable, ensuring that even novice users can complete complex tasks without becoming frustrated by the layout.”

Real-World Examples

“A paddleboarder enjoys the serene, navigable waterways at Silver Springs State Park near Ocala, Florida.”
National Geographic · 8 May 2025

Etymology

From Middle French navigable, from Latin navigabilis.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

This entry

Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency
Occasional
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/navigable

English Reference