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
• modular
• 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

This comfy, portable camp chair is practically a pop-up couch that couples can cuddle up on anywhere. —Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 8 Sep. 2025

Apple first enabled screen recordings on its portable devices in 2017 with iOS 11. —PC Magazine, 7 Sep. 2025

Noun

The site where the portables sit will be used for parking, officials said. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025

Smaller models use extension cords to power a few small appliances, while larger portables connect to your electrical panel via a transfer switch to power hardwired appliances like well pumps and water heaters, according to Consumer Reports. —Rick Barrett, jsonline.com, 12 Aug. 2025

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

Rhymes for portable

• deportable
• exportable
• reportable
• supportable
• transportable
• insupportable
• unsupportable

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