The meaning of PALPABLE is capable of being touched or felt : tangible.

PALPABLE definition: readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident. See examples of palpable used in a sentence.

PALPABLE definition: 1. so obvious that it can easily be seen or known, or (of a feeling) so strong that it seems as if…. Learn more.

1. (usually prenominal) easily perceived by the senses or the mind; obvious: the excuse was a palpable lie.

You describe something as palpable when it is obvious or intense and easily noticed. The tension between Amy and Jim is palpable. There is an almost palpable feeling of hopelessness.

Definition of palpable adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

Palpable definition: Easily perceived; obvious.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 pal•pa•ble (pal′ pə bəl), adj. readily or plainly seen, heard, perceived, etc.; obvious; evident: a palpable lie; palpable …

When something is palpable, you can touch or handle it, even though the word is often used to describe things that usually can't be handled or touched, such as emotions or sensations.

I felt a palpable sense of relief. The attraction between them was palpable. There was a palpable excitement in the air as the town prepared for the festival.