notable

Etymology

From Middle English notable (“worthy of note, profitable, useful”), in some senses from Anglo-Norman notable (“noteworthy”), from Latin notābilis (“noteworthy, extraordinary”), from notō (“to note, mark”); in some senses from Middle English note (“benefit, profit, use, advantage”), from Old English notu (“t-use, profit, advantage, employment”) + -able; equivalent to note + -able. Compare English noteful (“useful”).

adj

1. Worthy of note; remarkable; memorable; noted or distinguished.
2. Easily noted (without connotations of value); clearly noticeable, conspicuous.
   A notable lubber, as thou reportest him to be. 1623, William Shakespeare, Two Gentlemen of Verona
3. That can be observed; perceptible.
   Dyslexia is most notable in children who are unable to focus on their assignments. 1989, Stanton Peele, Diseasing of America
   Another most notable change concerns rolling stock liveries. Back then, corporate Rail Blue was omnipresent, whereas now there is a kaleidoscope of colours and styles. June 17 2020, David Clough, “Then and now: trains through Crewe”, in Rail, page 60
4. (now rare) Industrious, energetic; (specifically) (usually of a woman) capable, efficient in household management.
   During his residence abroad, his concerns at home were managed by his mother Hester, an active and notable woman. c. 1793, Edward Gibbon, Memoirs, Penguin, published 1990, page 48
   Hester looked busy and notable with her gown pinned up behind her, and her hair all tucked away under a clean linen cap; […] 1863, Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, Sylvia's lovers
5. (obsolete) Useful; profitable.

noun

1. A person or thing of distinction.
   July 16 1875, Carl Schurz, letter to W. M. Grosvenor What we ought to have, in my opinion, is a meeting of notables—men whose names will be of weight with the country and who can be depended upon to agree to an independent course.