adj.
Pronunciation: ' e-l ə -j ə -b ə l
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin eligibilis, from Latin eligere to choose ― more at ELECT
Date: 15th century
1 a : qualified to participate or be chosen : ENTITLED < eligible to retire> b : permitted under football rules to catch a forward pass <an eligible receiver>
2 : worthy of being chosen : DESIRABLE <an eligible young bachelor>
– el · i · gi · bil · i · ty \ ˌ e-l ə -j ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– eligible noun
– el · i · gi · bly \ ' e-l ə -j ə -bl ē \ adverb