What does inflatable mean?
Inflatable describes an object or material that can be filled with air or another gas, usually temporarily and often by means of a pump or by blowing. The word is especially associated with safety and recreational equipment, such as inflatable life jackets, boats, rafts, cushions, and children's toys. Such items can be deflated when they are not needed, making them convenient to store or transport. As a noun, an inflatable is the object itself: a small craft, ring, mattress, or similar item that expands when filled with air. The term generally has a practical and neutral tone, though it can sometimes suggest something temporary, portable, or dependent on inflation for its use. It is distinct from "inflated," which more often describes something already expanded or figuratively exaggerated.
Capable of being filled with air or gas, or designed to expand when filled.
"The crew inflated the escape raft before entering the lifeboat."
Often used before nouns such as boat, raft, cushion, mattress, and life jacket.
An object, especially a boat, raft, or cushion, that can be filled with air or gas and used in that expanded form.
"They pushed the inflatable into the water and climbed aboard."
Frequently used attributively, as in "inflatable craft," though the standalone noun is also common.
Used for inflatable objects or pieces of equipment; the plural is commonly formed by adding -s.
"The passengers were given inflatable life jackets before the flight."
An inflatable can turn a foldable emergency craft into a usable boat in minutes, which is why it is a standard feature on ships and aircraft.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does inflatable come from?
The word derives from the Latin verb inflare, meaning "to blow into" or "to inflate," formed from in- and flare, "to blow." It entered English in the seventeenth century in the sense of swelling with air or causing something to expand. The adjective inflatable developed from the same root as inflate, inflation, and inflated, with the suffix -able indicating the ability to be filled or expanded.
Related word forms
How inflatable is actually used
The adjective is common in descriptions of safety equipment, toys, boats, and temporary structures. As a noun, it is often used attributively before a noun, as in "inflatable boat," rather than standing alone.
Easily confused with inflatable
Inflatable describes something designed to be filled with air, while inflated often describes something already filled or, figuratively, made excessively large or impressive.