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

Caffeine pouches, small packets placed in the mouth between the lip and gum, are marketed as a portable and discreet way to boost energy and focus. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

It was commissioned to produce stationery for Queen Victoria’s residences in the 1890s, and is known for making the world’s first portable diary in 1908. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Noun

Built for rapid deployment without heavy logistics The system is small, compact, and field-portable and built for rapid deployment without heavy logistics. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2026

While most of its Prime Day deals have been removed, some highly effective ThinkPad business portables can still be had for cheap, along with a solid Chromebook and some monitors. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 8 Oct. 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