portable

1 of 2

adjective

por·​ta·​ble ˈpȯr-tə-bəl 

1

a

: capable of being carried or moved about

portable electronic devices

b

: characterized by portability

a portable pension

workers with portable skills [=skills that can be applied at other jobs]

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 of portable

Adjective

• movable
• modular
• mobile
• adjustable

Examples of portable in a Sentence

Adjective

Portable devices such as MP3 players are becoming increasingly popular.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Think portable instead of permanent Some of the most useful renter-friendly ideas aren’t about decorating at all. — Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 1 Oct. 2026

The sleep surface should be firm, flat and designed for infant sleep, such as a crib, bassinet or portable crib that meets current federal safety standards. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2026

Noun

Microsoft Surface Laptop Early Prime Day Deal For a sleek-looking portable that also delivers some of the best battery life out there, Microsoft's Surface Laptop is a strong contender. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 30 Sep. 2026

These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026

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