What does tamable mean?
Tamable means capable of being tamed, trained, or brought under control. It is most often used to describe animals or wild creatures that can learn to be gentle, obedient, or accustomed to human handling. The word often suggests that a creature has the capacity to be domesticated without implying that it is already tame. For example, a wild horse may be described as tamable when its temperament makes training possible. In more abstract use, tamable can refer to a force or difficulty that can be managed or controlled. The adjective is related to tame and the noun tamer, and it is also spelled tameable, although tamable is the more usual form. It is distinct from tame, which describes something already controlled, gentle, or accustomed to human presence.
adjectiveCapable of being tamed or brought under control. A tamable animal or force is one that can be made docile, manageable, or obedient.
- Capable of being tamed or brought under control.
- Referring to an animal or creature that can be made docile or accustomed to human handling.
"The young horse was gentle and tamable, so it was a suitable choice for a first-time rider."
"The shelter is looking for a tamable dog that is comfortable around children."
"Although the species is wild, researchers believe that its naturally tamable behavior could make domestication possible."
Tamable describes a quality that can change: even a powerful creature may become manageable when its nature allows trust and training.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tamable come from?
Tamable was formed in English by adding the suffix -able to the adjective tame. The word tame comes through Middle English from Old English tam, meaning gentle or domesticated. Related forms include tamer and tameness, while the longer form tameable reflects the same productive English pattern in which -able is added to an adjective.
Related word forms
How tamable is actually used
Tamable is normally used of animals or creatures, but it can also describe forces, difficulties, or influences that can be controlled. The less common spelling tameable is accepted in British and American English.
Easily confused with tamable
Tamable and tameable are variant spellings of the same adjective, though tamable is more common in standard usage.