Search Dictionary
Definition of legible

legible

/ˈlɛdʒ.ə.bəl/
leg · i · ble
Adverb:legibly
JUMP TO:

legible Lexical Profile

legible Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Clear enough to be read easily (used especially of handwriting or print).

Example

"The doctor's hastily written prescription was barely legible to the pharmacist."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for legible
Antonyms
View all antonyms for legible

Word Nuance & Usage

'Legible' specifically refers to the physical clarity of handwriting or print (whether the letters can be visually deciphered), whereas 'readable' typically refers to whether the style and content of a text are engaging and easy to understand.

• Rhymes for legible

• Nearby Words

leggings
leggy
legibility
legible
legibly
legion
legionary

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 14th century from Late Latin legibilis ('that can be read'), from Latin legere ('to read, choose, gather').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Legible. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/legible
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.