convertible

/kənˈvʌrdəbəl/

/kənˈvʌtɪbəl/

Other forms: convertibles; convertibly

If it starts to rain while you’re riding in a convertible car with the top down, you can always put the top back up. Convertible is an adjective that means “capable of changing from one form to another.”

Something that is convertible can be changed or transformed from one thing to another. Money, for instance, is convertible because it can be changed from one currency to another — for example, from dollars to euros. A sofa bed is convertible because it can be transformed from a sofa into a bed. Likewise, a convertible jacket is a jacket that can be changed (by removing the sleeves or an inner lining) depending on the weather.

Definitions of convertible

1. adjective

   designed to be changed from one use or form to another
   “a convertible sofa”

   “a convertible coupe”

   synonyms:

   adaptable

   capable of adapting (of becoming or being made suitable) to a particular situation or use
2. noun

   a car that has a top that can be folded or removed
   type of:

   auto, automobile, car, machine, motorcar

   a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
3. noun

   a sofa that can be converted into a bed
   synonyms: sofa bed

   types:

   davenport

   a large sofa usually convertible into a bed

   day bed, studio couch

   convertible consisting of an upholstered couch that can be converted into a double bed

   chesterfield

   an overstuffed davenport with upright armrests

   type of:

   couch, lounge, sofa

   an upholstered seat for more than one person
4. adjective

   capable of being changed in substance as if by alchemy
   synonyms: transformable, translatable, transmutable

   commutable

   subject to alteration or change
5. adjective

   capable of being exchanged for or replaced by something of equal value
   “convertible securities”

   synonyms: exchangeable

   cashable, redeemable

   able to be converted into ready money or the equivalent

   antonyms:

   inconvertible

   used especially of currencies; incapable of being exchanged for or replaced by another currency of equal value

   irredeemable

   (of paper money) not convertible into coin at the pleasure of the holder
6. noun

   a corporate security (usually bonds or preferred stock) that can be exchanged for another form of security (usually common stock)
   synonyms: convertible security

   type of:

   certificate, security

   a formal declaration that documents a fact of relevance to finance and investment; the holder has a right to receive interest or dividends