adjective capable of being transported or conveyed: a portable stage.
easily carried or conveyed by hand: a portable typewriter.
Computers (of data sets, software, etc.) capable of being used on different computer systems.
noun something that is portable, especially as distinguished from a nonportable counterpart: Of their three television sets, one is a portable.
Origin of portable First recorded in
1375–1425; late Middle English word from
Late Latin word
portābilis. See
port5 ,
-able Related forms port·a·bly , adverb non·port·a·ble , adjective un·port·a·ble , adjective Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
Examples from the Web for portable Contemporary Examples of portable Portable snacks are good to have on hand, too, says Jessica Crandall, RDN, Denver Wellness & Nutrition Director.
“We are Moroccans,” went out the cry over a portable loudspeaker.
There are edit suites mounted on shopping carts, and portable generators to power them.
This will aggregate a portable audience that you can later introduce to your crowdfunding launch.
For myself, the NeuroSky is a convenient, portable EEG device that provides most of the rudimentary meditation help I need.
Historical Examples of portable The clumsy framework of the receiver was reduced to a neat and portable size.
I tore off the cover, and disclosed an elegant and portable edition of ‘Marmion.’
But we have been led a long way from Kaiser Max and his portable monument.
I'd have to wear the portable G-ray all the time, and that's not so comfortable.
Few invalids are too feeble to whisper at the light, portable ear of metal.
British Dictionary definitions for portable adjective able to be carried or moved easily, esp by hand
(of software, files, etc) able to be transferred from one type of computer system to another
archaic able to be endured; bearable
Show More
noun an article designed to be readily carried by hand, such as a television, typewriter, etc
Show More
Derived Forms portability , noun portably , adverb Word Origin for portable C14: from Late Latin portābilis, from Latin portāre to carry
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for portable adj. early 15c., from French portable "that can be carried," from Late Latin portabilis "that can be carried," from Latin portare "to carry" (see port (n.1)). Related: Portability .
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
