What's the Difference Between 'Eatable' and 'Edible'?

In this blog post we look at when to use eatable and when to use edible.

'Eatable' or 'Edible'?

Eatable and edible are two words that are often confused, but they have the same meaning, which is "suitable for being eaten."

Eatable and edible have been used for centuries to describe food that is fit for consumption. Both words have roots in the Latin word "edere," which means "to eat."

In modern English, both eatable and edible are used to describe food that is fit for consumption. However, edible is the more commonly used word.

Eatable is a less commonly used adjective with the same meaning.

Here is an example to show eatable and edible used in the same sentence:

  • The fruit is eatable. (eatable is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

  • The fruit is edible. (edible is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

It's important to choose the correct word based on the context and the intended meaning. Edible is the more commonly used word to describe food that is fit for consumption.

Here are some examples to illustrate the use of eatable and edible:

  • The fruit is eatable. (eatable is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

  • The fruit is edible. (edible is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

  • The mushroom is not eatable because it is poisonous. (eatable is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

  • The mushroom is not edible because it is poisonous. (edible is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

  • The cake is eatable. (eatable is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

  • The cake is edible. (edible is an adjective meaning "suitable for being eaten")

Examples of Eatable in a Sentence

  1. The food at the restaurant was so delicious that I ate everything on my plate, even the garnishes that are not usually considered eatable.

  2. The students were surprised to learn that certain insects are actually eatable and can be a source of protein in some cultures.

  3. The farmer's market had a wide selection of eatable goodies, including fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, and jams.

  4. The party guests were offered a variety of eatable appetizers, including cheese and crackers, olives, and chicken skewers.

  5. The family spent their vacation foraging for wild eatable mushrooms in the forest.

  6. The travelers were warned not to eat any plants or berries that they were unfamiliar with, as some may be poisonous rather than eatable.

  7. The company produces a range of eatable products, including snack bars, cookies, and crackers.

  8. The chef at the restaurant specialized in creating innovative dishes using a variety of eatable flowers and herbs.

  9. The children were excited to try the eatable play dough that their teacher had made for them.

  10. Some people prefer to use eatable essential oils in their cooking rather than traditional extracts.

Examples of Edible in a Sentence

  1. The cake was made with all edible ingredients, including flour, sugar, eggs, and butter.

  2. Many people believe that edible flowers add both flavor and visual appeal to a dish.

  3. The edible fruit of the mango tree is a popular ingredient in a variety of dishes and desserts.

  4. The villagers were forced to rely on edible plants and roots to survive during the famine.

  5. Some animals, such as bears, will eat almost anything that is edible in order to survive.

  6. The company produces a range of edible products, including bread, pastries, and cakes.

  7. The plants in the garden were carefully labeled to indicate which ones were edible and which were poisonous.

  8. Edible gold leaf is often used to decorate high-end desserts and pastries.

  9. The chef at the restaurant specializes in creating innovative dishes using edible flowers and herbs.

  10. Some people prefer to use edible essential oils in their cooking rather than traditional extracts.


Eatable or Edible
Eatable or Edible