var·i·able
ˈver-ē-ə-bəl 
1
a
: able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes
variable winds
variable costs
b
: fickle, inconstant
2
: characterized by variations
3
: having the characteristics of a variable
4
: not true to type : aberrant
—used of a biological group or character
1
a
: a quantity that may assume any one of a set of values
b
: a symbol representing a variable
2
a
: something that is variable
b
: a factor in a scientific experiment that may be subject to change
3
Synonyms
Examples of variable in a Sentence
Adjective
The winds were light and variable.
The loan has a variable interest rate.
Noun
unemployment and other economic variables
Recent Examples on the Web
Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2024
The water-and-protection unit’s profitability was aided by productivity and savings from restructuring actions, which more than offset a decline in organic revenue and higher variable compensation.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
The Moody’s model also factors in other variables, including voter turnout for the non-incumbent party, the incumbent party candidate's approval rating, and the vote share garnered by third parties.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for variable 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Adjective
Bundling in the cost of the Lightning Lane Premier Pass with a Disneyland ticket would bring the total price tag to $404 to $681 — depending on Disney’s variable pricing calendar.
—Brady MacDonald, Orange County Register, 17 Oct. 2024
The water-and-protection unit’s profitability was aided by productivity and savings from restructuring actions, which more than offset a decline in organic revenue and higher variable compensation.
—Zev Fima, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024
Noun
With many variables at play, White Castle hasn’t measured whether Flippy has improved employee retention, Richardson said.
—Queenie Wong, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024
The Moody’s model also factors in other variables, including voter turnout for the non-incumbent party, the incumbent party candidate's approval rating, and the vote share garnered by third parties.
—Paul Davidson, USA TODAY, 27 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for variable
Dictionary Entries Near variable
Cite this Entry
“Variable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/variable. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
variable
1 of 2 adjective
vari·able
ˈver-ē-ə-bəl,
ˈvar-
1
: able to change : likely to be changed
variable winds
2
: having the characteristics of a variable
3
: not true to the usual or normal type
a variable species of wheat
variable
2 of 2 noun1
a
: a quantity that may take on any one of a set of values
b
: a mathematical symbol representing a variable
2
: something that is variable
3
: a factor in a scientific experiment that may be subject to change
controlled all variables except temperature
Medical Definition
variable
1 of 2 adjective
vari·able
ˈver-ē-ə-bəl, ˈvar-
1
: able or apt to vary : subject to variation or changes
allergy is perhaps the most variable of all diseases—H. G. Rapaport & Shirley Linde
H. G. Rapaport & Shirley Linde2
: characterized by variations
3
: not true to type : aberrant
—used of a biological group or character
variable
2 of 2 noun
: something that is variable
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share