portable

1 of 2

adjective

por·​ta·​ble ˈpȯr-tə-bəl 

1

a

: capable of being carried or moved about

a portable TV

b

: characterized by portability

a portable pension

c

: usable on many computers with little or no modification

portable software

2

archaic : bearable

portably

ˈpȯr-tə-blē 

adverb

portable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is portable

Synonyms

Adjective

• mobile
• movable
• moveable

Examples of portable in a Sentence

Adjective

Portable devices such as MP3 players are becoming increasingly popular.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

So The Best 7 Space Heaters of 2025 These portable heaters will heat a room quickly, quietly, and safely. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 19 Jan. 2025

The $175,000 Founders Edition includes all of these, along with premium bedding, a portable projector, and membership to an exclusive club for owners of this variant. —New Atlas, 19 Jan. 2025

Noun

One that feels like it was meant to be experienced on a portable like the Steam Deck. —Jason Evangelho, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024

Ultra portable, Waterproof, 10 Hours Battery, 0.87 Pounds, 5 Watts, 3.40 x 1.80 x 5.30 Inches $46.99 at Walmart $64.95 Save $17.96 Get Deal The JBL Clip 4 is a highly portable Bluetooth speaker designed for outdoor enthusiasts or just regular folks who want to listen to music in the shower. —Shubham Yewale, PCMAG, 17 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin portabilis, from Latin portare to carry — more at fare

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1708, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

portable

adjective

por·​ta·​ble

ˈpōrt-ə-bəl,

ˈpȯrt-

: possible to carry or move about

a portable computer

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English portable "capable of being carried or moved about," from early French portable (same meaning), from Latin portabilis (same meaning), from earlier portare "to carry" — related to portfolio, transport