portable

1 of 2

adjective

por·​ta·​ble ˈpȯr-tə-bəl How to pronounce portable (audio)
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 adverb

portable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is portable

Examples of portable in a Sentence

Adjective Portable devices such as MP3 players are becoming increasingly popular.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
And for fast charging on the go, consider this portable iPhone charger that’s a whopping 70 percent off. Michael Stefanov, Travel + Leisure, 21 Mar. 2024 Walmart’s massive markdowns include over $200 off a Samsung Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV, $120 off an Apple iPad, and a portable projector for 49 percent off that reviewers say has a crisp and clear picture. Megan Schaltegger, Peoplemag, 21 Mar. 2024 Now through March 25, shoppers can save on everything from travel accessories and duffel bags to viral beauty products and portable chargers. Meaghan Kenny, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2024 There will be portable restrooms along with trash and recycling bins. Ben Brasch, Washington Post, 19 Mar. 2024 The durable fabric and rubber housing keep the portable speaker safe from drops anywhere. Deanna McCormack, Parents, 19 Mar. 2024 Crowley's administration has also invested in street safety improvements across five municipalities in Milwaukee County, including portable speed bumps, temporary traffic circles, curb extensions and security cameras. Journal Sentinel, 19 Mar. 2024 Coleman Chiller Series Insulated Portable Cooler As far as coolers go, this portable and packable selection from Coleman has become a trusty companion for travelers, and it’s even earned more than 3,300 five-star ratings at Amazon for its superior design. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 5 Mar. 2024 Plus, this design makes the tub portable and easy to set up, says Paulson. Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 4 Mar. 2024
Noun
The new five-gate concourse replacing the four-gate portables also has gates numbered 1-4. The Arizona Republic, 26 Jan. 2024 Kevin Purdy Yes, a Windows installation means a gaming portable is compatible with almost every PC game ever made, including many that still don't run on SteamOS for one reason or another. Kyle Orland, Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2024 But in typical emerging-tech fashion, the Fold OLED is expected to be wildly expensive for a portable—or any type of—monitor. Scharon Harding, Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2024 Normally sitting well above $300, this is the best time to grab this powerful portable. Medea Giordano, WIRED, 27 Nov. 2023 Nori Press Portable Handheld Iron $119 $95 With this portable (and handheld) iron, traveling with wrinkly clothes is a problem of the past. Alexandra Domrongchai, Travel + Leisure, 24 Nov. 2023 Acer Swift 3 14-Inch OLED Laptop for $750 ($350 off) Acer Acer's Swift 3 is a solid portable with an Intel Core i7-(12700H) processor, 16 gigabytes of RAM, and a 1-terabyte SSD. Nena Farrell, WIRED, 22 Nov. 2023 How to build a nonalcoholic bar so everyone feels included Other portables Too busy to batch? M. Carrie Allan, Washington Post, 17 Nov. 2023 The blow molded plastic case holds all the sockets securely, and the handle makes the whole set portable. Sarah Halverson, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'portable.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of portable was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near portable

Cite this Entry

“Portable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portable. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on portable

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