What does shakeable mean?
Shakeable is an adjective describing something that can be shaken, especially a container or package whose contents are meant to be mixed or distributed with a shake. It is commonly used for seasoning packets, drink bottles, and other products that provide explicit directions such as "shake well." The word distinguishes an object designed for vigorous mixing from one intended to be poured, stirred, opened, or otherwise handled. Although shakeable and shakable are both accepted spellings, usage varies somewhat by dictionary and region. In ordinary writing, shakeable communicates not merely that an object can physically move when shaken, but that shaking it is the intended or effective way to achieve a particular result.
adjectiveCapable of being shaken or moved by shaking. It usually describes a container, object, or substance designed to be shaken rather than poured, stirred, or opened.
- Capable of being shaken or moved by shaking.
"The sauce comes in a shakeable bottle with a resealable cap."
"Shake the closed packet firmly before opening it."
"The instructions call for two teaspoonfuls of the shakeable seasoning."
Shakeable is the container equivalent of saying, "Give it a good shake."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does shakeable come from?
Shakeable was formed in the 19th century from the English verb shake and the suffix -able, meaning "capable of being." It belongs to a productive family of English verbs and adjectives in which -able forms adjectives from verbs, including movable, breakable, and washable. The shorter variant shakable reflects the same English formation and has long been used alongside the full form.
Related word forms
How shakeable is actually used
The term is most often used for packaged foods, beverages, and containers whose contents are intended to be mixed by shaking. It is interchangeable with the variant spelling shakable, although one form may be preferred in a particular region or by a particular dictionary.
Easily confused with shakeable
Shakeable and shakable are variant spellings of the same adjective; shakeable may be found in both British and American English, while spelling preference varies by dictionary and context.