portable

[ pawr-tuh-buhl, pohr- ]

adjective

1. capable of being transported or conveyed:

   a portable stage.

2. easily carried or conveyed by hand:

   I found a lightweight, portable propane stove for our trekking holiday.

3. Computers. (of data sets, software, etc.) capable of being used on different computer systems.
4. Obsolete. endurable.

noun

1. something that is easily carried by hand, especially as distinguished from a counterpart that is harder or less convenient to move:

   Of their three television sets, one is a portable.

portable

/ ˈpɔːtəbəl /

adjective

1. able to be carried or moved easily, esp by hand
2. (of software, files, etc) able to be transferred from one type of computer system to another
3. archaic.
   able to be endured; bearable

noun

1. an article designed to be readily carried by hand, such as a television, typewriter, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈportably, adverb
• ˌportaˈbility, noun

Other Words From

• porta·bly adverb
• non·porta·ble adjective
• un·porta·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of portable¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Late Latin portābilis; port ⁵, -able

Word History and Origins

Origin of portable¹

C14: from Late Latin portābilis, from Latin portāre to carry

Example Sentences

The water company said it installed a portable generator for that second pump, but it wasn’t clear how long that took and it did not respond to further questions from The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

He had begun to tolerate his portable vent and could go outside.

From BBC

Dr Bray also has a portable communion kit, which he said allowed him to celebrate mass in people's houses.

From BBC

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in portable electronic devices and electric vehicles, including cellphones, e-bikes, laptops, wireless headphones, scooters, trucks and cars.

From Los Angeles Times

The couple’s first meeting with the regulators took place in a portable cabin in Brussels.

From BBC

Related Words

• compact
• convenient
• handy
• lightweight