stretchable

IPA/stɹˈɛtʃəbəl/
IPA/stɹˈɛtʃəbəl/

stretchable — adjective

  • stretchablepositive
  • more stretchablecomparative
  • most stretchablesuperlative

1. Describes a fabric, material, or item that can be pulled to make it longer or wi

1.adjectiveB1
Definition

Describes a fabric, material, or item that can be pulled to make it longer or wider without tearing, and then returns to its original shape.

Example

The yoga pants are made of a stretchable fabric that moves with your body.

stretchable fabric — collocation with material type

Soo-jin bought stretchable cotton masks because they fit her face more comfortably.

Common collocations
  • stretchable fabric
  • stretchable material
  • stretchable waistband
  • stretchable bandage
  • stretchable denim
  • stretchable cotton
Synonyms
  • elastic

    Emphasises the ability to return to original shape; more technical than stretchable

  • stretchy

    More common in informal speech; describes the same quality

  • flexible

    Describes ability to bend without breaking, not specifically about returning to shape

Antonyms
  • rigid

    Opposite — cannot bend or stretch at all

  • stiff

    Opposite — hard to stretch or bend

Grammar Patterns

stretchable + noun

Usage Note

Often used in product descriptions and clothing labels to indicate comfort and flexibility. The simpler synonym 'stretchy' is more common in everyday conversation.

Common Mistakes

This rubber band is very stretchable.
This rubber band is very stretchy.
For small items that naturally stretch, 'stretchy' sounds more natural than 'stretchable'.
The plan is stretchable enough to include more people.
The plan is flexible enough to include more people.
'Stretchable' is used for physical materials, not abstract ideas.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words describe materials that can change shape under force, but they differ in nuance. 'Stretchable' and 'stretchy' are the closest pair — both mean a material can be pulled longer and return to its original size, but 'stretchy' is far more common in everyday speech ('these socks are nice and stretchy'), while 'stretchable' appears in product descriptions and technical contexts. 'Elastic' emphasises the spring-back quality more strongly (rubber bands are elastic) and is often used scientifically. 'Flexible' is broader — it covers bending and twisting, not just stretching, and does not guarantee the material will return to its original shape. 'Pliable' means easily bent or shaped without returning to the original form (like clay or soft wire). For clothing that needs to recover its fit after being pulled, 'stretchable' or 'stretchy' are the best choices.

stretchy ↗elastic ↗flexible ↗pliable

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Prepositions

Etymology

Old EnglishEnglishLatinEnglish

Formed from the English verb 'stretch' (from Old English 'streċċan', meaning to extend or spread out) plus the suffix '-able' (from Latin '-abilis', meaning 'capable of'). The word entered common use in the 19th century, first appearing in textile and manufacturing contexts.