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
: something that is portable
Synonyms of portable
Examples of portable in a Sentence
Adjective
Portable devices such as MP3 players are becoming increasingly popular.
Recent Examples on the Web
Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Tedd, who has worked in Carmel Valley for about 20 years running the Master Sports program at local recreation centers such as Carmel Valley and Pacific Highlands Ranch, had been interested in buying a portable basketball hoop and some canopies, but ended up buying a farmers market.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026
The Pentagon has since been testing the portable, backpack-sized device, which emits pulsed, radio-frequency energy and contains components of Russian origin.
—CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portable
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Adjective
A little background noise can be helpful, so instead of opting for total silence, play classical or ambient music through a portable speaker.
—Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Mar. 2026
Tedd, who has worked in Carmel Valley for about 20 years running the Master Sports program at local recreation centers such as Carmel Valley and Pacific Highlands Ranch, had been interested in buying a portable basketball hoop and some canopies, but ended up buying a farmers market.
—Karen Billing, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Mar. 2026
Noun
View gallery - 4 images A portable, rechargeable light that can illuminate outdoor adventures for up to 12 nights is the latest example of how far, and how fast, rechargeable battery technology is advancing.
—New Atlas, 20 Feb. 2026
The Pentagon has since been testing the portable, backpack-sized device, which emits pulsed, radio-frequency energy and contains components of Russian origin.
—CBS News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for portable
Cite this Entry
“Portable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portable. Accessed 6 Mar. 2026.
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