What does writable mean?
Writable is an adjective meaning able to be written on or written to. It may describe a form or document that can be completed, a surface that accepts writing, or a digital file or storage medium capable of receiving new or altered data. The meaning depends on context: a writable form has space for written answers, while a writable drive permits information to be saved or deleted. In computing, the term contrasts with read-only, identifying a medium on which data can be changed rather than merely accessed. Writable is widely used in both British and American English and is also commonly seen in administrative and software contexts. Its alternative spelling, writeable, is understood and sometimes used, but writable is generally preferred in modern usage.
adjectiveCapable of being written on or written to. In computing, a writable medium can receive new data, whereas a read-only medium cannot.
- Able to be written on or written to, such as a form, document, file, or storage medium.
- Of a computer file or storage device: able to accept new or modified data.
"Please use a blue pen on the writable form."
"The library requires every new member to complete a writable application form."
"The device is readable but not writable, so the image cannot be saved directly to it."
Writable is what turns a blank form into a record—and in computing, it separates storage you can change from storage you can only read.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does writable come from?
The adjective writable was formed in English by combining write with the suffix -able, which expresses the sense “capable of being.” The verb write comes from Old English wrītan, an inherited Germanic word for making letters or records. Related English words include writer, writing, rewrite, and handwriting.
Related word forms
How writable is actually used
Writable is neutral in tone and common in both everyday and technical English. In computing, it contrasts with read-only and is often used of disks, drives, files, and memory.
Easily confused with writable
Writeable is an alternative spelling of writable; both forms have the same meaning, although writable is the more common modern spelling.