adjective
C2
Proficient
malleable
MAEE-uh-buh
Malleable (adjective) means Capable of being hammered or pressed into a new shape without breaking, as with certain metals. Example: “Gold is one of the most malleable metals known.”
adjective
1
Capable of being hammered or pressed into a new shape without breaking, as with certain metals.
"Gold is one of the most malleable metals known."
"The blacksmith heated the iron until it became malleable."
2
Easily influenced or shaped, especially in character or opinion.
"Young children have malleable minds that absorb new ideas quickly."
"A malleable negotiating position let both sides find common ground."
How to use malleable
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that can be bent, shaped, or changed easily, whether it's a metal or a person's opinions.
Common pairings
malleable metal
malleable mind
highly malleable
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more malleable
- Superlative
- most malleable
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Gold is one of the most _____ metals known.
Etymology
From Latin malleare ("to hammer"), from malleus ("hammer").
Related words
Rhymes for malleable
See all rhymes for malleable →Frequently asked questions
What does “malleable” mean?
The word “malleable” means capable of being hammered or pressed into a new shape without breaking, as with certain metals. In plain terms, something that can be bent, shaped, or changed easily, whether it's a metal or a person's opinions.
How do you pronounce “malleable”?
“Malleable” is pronounced MAEE-uh-buh ([ˈmæɫiəbɫ̩] in IPA).
How do you use “malleable” in a sentence?
Here is “malleable” used in a sentence: “Gold is one of the most malleable metals known.”
What part of speech is “malleable”?
“Malleable” is an adjective.
Where does the word “malleable” come from?
The word “malleable” comes from Latin. From Latin malleare ("to hammer"), from malleus ("hammer").
How many meanings does “malleable” have?
“Malleable” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: capable of being hammered or pressed into a new shape without breaking, as with certain metals.
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