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¹stable

noun sta·ble \ˈstā-bəl\

: a building in which horses are kept, fed, and cared for

: the group of racehorses that belong to the same owner

: a group of people (such as athletes, writers, or performers) who work for or are trained by the same person, organization, or business

Full Definition of STABLE

: a building in which domestic animals are sheltered and fed; especially : such a building having stalls or compartments <a horse stable>

a : the racehorses of one owner

b : a group of people (as athletes, writers, or performers) under one management

c : the racing cars of one owner

d : group, collection

— sta·ble·man \-mən, -ˌman\ noun

See stable defined for English-language learners

See stable defined for kids

Origin of STABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estable, stable, from Latin stabulum, from stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use: 13th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Rhymes with STABLE

able, Babel, Bebel, cable, fable, Froebel, gable, label, sable, table

²stable

verb

: to put or keep (a horse) in a stable

sta·bledsta·bling \-b(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of STABLE

transitive verb

: to put or keep in a stable

intransitive verb

: to dwell in or as if in a stable

See stable defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of STABLE

14th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

³stable

adjective

: in a good state or condition that is not easily changed or likely to change

medical : not getting worse or likely to get worse

: not easily moved

sta·bler \-b(ə-)lər\ sta·blest \-b(ə-)ləst\

Full Definition of STABLE

a : firmly established : fixed, steadfast <stable opinions>

b : not changing or fluctuating : unvarying <in stable condition>

c : permanent, enduring <stable civilizations>

a : steady in purpose : firm in resolution

b : not subject to insecurity or emotional illness : sane, rational <a stable personality>

a (1) : placed so as to resist forces tending to cause motion or change of motion (2) : designed so as to develop forces that restore the original condition when disturbed from a condition of equilibrium or steady motion

b (1) : not readily altering in chemical makeup or physical state <stable emulsions> (2) : not spontaneously radioactive

— sta·ble·ness \-bəl-nəs\ noun

— sta·bly \-b(ə-)lē\ adverb

See stable defined for English-language learners

Origin of STABLE

Middle English, from Anglo-French estable, stable, from Latin stabilis, from stare to stand

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to STABLE

Synonyms: bombproof, fast, firm, sound, stalwart, strong, sturdy

Antonyms: rickety, unsound, unstable, unsteady

Synonym Discussion of STABLE

lasting, permanent, durable, stable mean enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established. lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely <a book that left a lasting impression on me>. permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely <permanent living arrangements>. durable implies power to resist destructive agencies <durable fabrics>. stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced <a stable government>.