portable

American  

[pawr-tuh-buhl, pohr-] / ˈpɔr tə bəl, ˈpoʊr- /

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 British  

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonportable adjective
• portability noun
• portably adverb
• unportable adjective

Etymology

Origin of portable

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

Example Sentences

The damage left Los Angeles Department of Transportation officers unable to use their portable radios to call for assistance and the emergency buttons on their radios inoperable.

From Los Angeles Times

But it was his decision to put his name on a portable kitchen appliance—and a knack for reinventing himself—that made him rich beyond his wildest dreams.

From The Wall Street Journal

"This technology could eventually enable portable or intraoperative devices that enable clinicians to detect cancers at earlier stages, improve the accuracy of biopsy sampling and monitor disease progression through less invasive testing," said Qiu.

From Science Daily

"Given the scale of damage, restoring connectivity was clearly an immediate priority," he said, detailing the Indian military's assistance in providing portable bridges.

From Barron's

One way to quickly deliver water where it’s needed would involve deploying portable hose-like pipes and pumps.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compact
• convenient
• handy
• lightweight