vis·i·ble
ˈvi-zə-bəl 
1
a
: capable of being seen
stars visible to the naked eye
b
: situated in the region of the electromagnetic spectrum perceptible to human vision
visible light
—used of radiation having a wavelength between about 400 nanometers and 700 nanometers
2
a
: exposed to view
the visible horizon
b(1)
: conspicuous
has played a highly visible role in the negotiations
(2)
: well-known
a highly visible politician
3
: capable of being discovered or perceived : recognizable
no visible means of support
4
: accessible sense 2
visible resources
5
: devised to keep a particular part or item always in full view or readily seen or referred to
a visible index
visibleness
noun
plural visibles
: a visible person or thing : someone or something that can be seen or perceived
He achieved important results in both these endeavors, which, being visible, have received ample notice as the visibles of history usually do …—
Barbara W. Tuchman
Barbara W. TuchmanSynonyms
Examples of visible in a Sentence
Adjective
The ship was not visible through the fog.
The ship was barely visible.
The patient showed no visible symptoms.
There was a visible change in his mood.
They played a highly visible role in the negotiations.
Recent Examples on the Web
Jamie Carter, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Similar to the northern lights, fungus’ natural light is sometimes so weak that it can’t be seen with the naked eye and requires a camera to be visible.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
One of the essential qualities of mass timber is structure made visible.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
And while quarterback Riley Leonard (and Sam Hartman before him) is the most visible example of Freeman’s use of the portal, he’s quietly had a lot of other transfer hits.
—Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for visible 
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Adjective
Alinda can be seen—using 10x50 binoculars—moving through the constellation Gemini, which is visible immediately after dark.
—Jamie Carter, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025
Similar to the northern lights, fungus’ natural light is sometimes so weak that it can’t be seen with the naked eye and requires a camera to be visible.
—Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 9 Jan. 2025
One of the essential qualities of mass timber is structure made visible.
—Justin Davidson, Curbed, 8 Jan. 2025
And while quarterback Riley Leonard (and Sam Hartman before him) is the most visible example of Freeman’s use of the portal, he’s quietly had a lot of other transfer hits.
—Stewart Mandel, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for visible
Dictionary Entries Near visible
Cite this Entry
“Visible.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/visible. Accessed 18 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
visible
adjective
vis·i·ble
ˈviz-ə-bəl
1
: capable of being seen
stars visible to the naked eye
2
: easily seen or understood : obvious
no visible means of support
Medical Definition
visible
adjective
vis·i·ble
ˈviz-ə-bəl
1
: capable of being seen : perceptible to vision
particulates visible to the naked eye
2
: situated in the visible spectrum
visible light
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