compatible

UK: /kəmˈpætɪb^əl/ US: /kəmˈpætəbəl/ ,(kəm pat′ə bəl)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

com•pat•i•ble /kəmˈpætəbəl/   adj. 

1. capable of living or existing together in peace and harmony:
   The couple were obviously not compatible.
2. [often: be + ~ + with + object] able to exist with something else:
   My blood type is not compatible with yours.
3. [often: be + ~ + with + object] consistent:
   claims not compatible with the facts.
4. Computing [often: be + ~ + with + object]
   • (of software) able to run on a specified computer.
   • (of hardware) able to work with a specified device.

n. [countable]

5. a computer able to work with most of the software of another system.

com•pat•i•bil•i•ty /kəmˌpætəˈbɪlɪti/  com•pat•i•ble•ness, n. [uncountable]
com•pat•i•bly, adv. See -pat-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

com•pat•i•ble  (kəm pat′ə bəl), adj. 

1. capable of existing or living together in harmony:
   the most compatible married couple I know.
2. able to exist together with something else:
   Prejudice is not compatible with true religion.
3. consistent;
   congruous (often fol. by with):
   His claims are not compatible with the facts.
4. Computing
   • (of software) capable of being run on another computer without change.
   • (of hardware) capable of being connected to another device without the use of special equipment or software.
5. Electronics (of a device, signal, etc.) capable of being used with equipment in a system without the need for special modification or conversion.
6. noting a system of television in which color broadcasts can be received on ordinary sets in black and white.

n. 

7. Mechanical Engineering something, as a machine or piece of electronic equipment, that is designed to perform the same tasks as another, often in the same way and using virtually identical parts, programmed instructions, etc.:
   Software written for one computer will probably run on its close compatibles.

• Medieval Latin compatibilis, derivative of Late Latin compatī (Latin com- com- + patī to suffer, undergo). See -ible
• late Middle English 1425–75

com•pat′i•bil′i•ty, com•pat′i•ble•ness, n. 
com•pat′i•bly, adv. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

compatible / kəmˈpætəb^əl/ adjective

1. (usually followed by with) able to exist together harmoniously
2. (usually followed by with) consistent or congruous: her deeds were not compatible with her ideology
3. (of pieces of machinery, computer equipment, etc) capable of being used together without special modification or adaptation

Etymology: 15th Century: from Medieval Latin compatibilis, from Late Latin compatī to be in sympathy with; see compassion

comˌpatiˈbility, comˈpatibleness noun

comˈpatibly adverb