English Reference
Adjective

programmable

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ˈpɹoʊˌɡɹæməbəɫ/ UK /pɹˈəʊɡɹɐməbəl/ pro·gram·mable

adj.describes a machine or device that you can give a set of instructions to so it works automatically.

adj.capable of being provided with a set of instructions or a sequence of operations to be performed automatically. Often used to describe electronic hardware or appliances.


SIMPLE

I bought a programmable coffee maker that starts every morning at seven.

CONTEXTUAL

The new thermostat is fully programmable, allowing us to set different temperatures for every hour of the day.

COMPLEX

Modern manufacturing relies on programmable logic controllers to manage complex assembly lines with minimal human intervention, ensuring consistent output across thousands of units.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun or predicatively after a linking verb like 'is' or 'becomes'.

A new class of programmable antibiotics known as asobiotics can be used to treat bacterial infections when classical antibiotics fail.

Phys.org· 27 Aug 2026

The approach could help advance a new generation of programmable textiles.

ScienceDaily· 4 Sept 2026

From program + -able.

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

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Occasional
Updated