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

Now on Kickstarter, the ScanMax 320 is a powerful, portable, and intelligent scanning solution meticulously crafted for modern workflows. — New Atlas, 18 Aug. 2026

The instrument brought complex observations into a portable mechanical form. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Aug. 2026

Noun

Dell has a student pricing program, where qualified buyers who provide ID can get a $100 discount on this portable. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 17 Aug. 2026

In one of the photos, Ortega appears to be instructing Abbott in turning the stroller into a portable, handheld baby carrier. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 26 July 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