WordGarden.iowearable
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /wˈeərəbəl/
US
- /ˈwɛrəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
suitable or acceptable to wear
designed to be worn on the body, especially as a digital device or sensor
Noun
a wearable device such as a smartwatch or fitness tracker
Beyond the definition
The word "wearable" first described something made to be worn, such as clothes, shoes, or accessories. Today, it is also very common in technology. A smartwatch, a fitness tracker, or a health monitor worn on the wrist can all be called wearable technology.
Context matters. If you say "a wearable jacket" or "wearable shoes," you mean they are suitable and practical to wear. If you say "wearable sensors" or "a wearable device," you mean technology designed to stay on the body while it works. In both cases, the main idea is simple: it is something you wear, not something you carry in your hand.
The word "wearable" describes something intended to be worn on the body. In its older and more general sense, it applies to clothing, shoes, and accessories. If a coat, dress, or pair of boots is called "wearable," that usually suggests it is suitable to wear in real life, not just attractive in theory or meant only for display. For example, a sweater might be old and slightly faded but still be called "perfectly wearable," meaning it is still in good enough condition to wear.
In recent years, "wearable" has also become common in the world of technology. As an adjective, it appears in phrases such as "wearable device" and "wearable sensors." As a noun, especially in the plural form "wearables," it refers to electronic devices designed to be worn on the body. These include smartwatches, fitness trackers, health monitors, smart glasses, and clothing with built-in sensors.
What connects these meanings is the idea of being worn as part of daily life. In clothing, the word often suggests comfort, usefulness, or suitability. In technology, it points to devices that can collect information or provide help while you go about your day. So whether it refers to a jacket, a pair of shoes, or a smartwatch, "wearable" usually describes something made to stay on your body while you use it.
Examples
- 1
Shoes
The boots are stylish, but they’re still wearable enough for everyday use.
- 2
Office style
She toned down the makeup so it would be more wearable at work.
- 3
Fashion design
The designer’s latest collection is bold, but most of it is surprisingly wearable.
- 4
Fitness device
He uses a wearable to count his steps and monitor his sleep.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical monitoring
Hospitals are testing wearables that can track a patient’s condition in real time.
See also
Similar
- fit to wear
- comfortable
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- unwearable
- impractical
Used with (collocations)
- wearable technology
- wearable device
Word family
- wear
- wearability
Explore
- garment
- smart clothing
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- wearableadjectivenoun