mid-15c., from Old French navigable (14c.) or directly from Latin navigabilis, from navigat-, past participle stem of navigare (see navigation). Related: Navigability.

able for vessels to steer through.

adj. Capable of commercial navigation.

(adj) able to be sailed on or through safely

Affording passage for ships or boats. Also, capable of being navigated.

Characterization given to a waterway that is passable by ship, even with the presence of sea ice. Vessel capability determines navigability of sea ice.

Capable of being safely navigated.

water with sufficient depth to permit a vessel to pass without running aground

Affording passage to a craft; capable of being navigated. (5)

(of a body of water) Capable of being navigated; deep enough and wide enough to afford passage to vessels. (of a boat) seaworthy; in a navigable state; steerable. (of a balloon) steerable, dirig [..]

In Wisconsin, capability of floating a canoe at any time of the year; normally, any waterway with a defined bed and banks.

  In Wisconsin, capability of floating a canoe at any time of the year; normally, any waterway with a defined bed and banks.