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

If you spend a lot of time in and out of your vehicle, you may want to consider a portable heated blanket designed for use in cars.

From Popular-Science

They’re discreet, effective, and super portable, making them suitable for use on the go.

From Popular-Science

If you are primarily hoping to print out photos, you may want to skip an all-in-one printer and opt for a photo-only portable printer.

From Popular-Science

Collapsable legs, foldable bodies, and lightweight materials makes ping pong a portable park, party, or BBQ activity.

From Popular-Science

Of course, you can always decide to go more compact and portable than full-size.

From Popular-Science

Portable snacks are good to have on hand, too, says Jessica Crandall, RDN, Denver Wellness & Nutrition Director.

From The Daily Beast

And he would especially like American FGM-148 Javelins, man-portable anti-tank missiles to hit at Russian armor.

From The Daily Beast

“We are Moroccans,” went out the cry over a portable loudspeaker.

From The Daily Beast

Ten of those incidents included the mobile rocket launch system known as the man-portable air defense sytsem or MANPAD.

From The Daily Beast

There are edit suites mounted on shopping carts, and portable generators to power them.

From The Daily Beast

The "torfuge" (Fig. 31) is said to be a very satisfactory substitute for the centrifuge, and is readily portable.

From Project Gutenberg

I am very glad you have succeeded with your portable steam-engine, and am persuaded they will be more and more adopted.

From Project Gutenberg

The one with the dazed look carried a small metal case that could be unfolded into a portable desk.

From Project Gutenberg

It was then brought to the altar (ara) by the side of which stood a portable brazier (foculus).

From Project Gutenberg

A long, portable cage had been put together on the stage during the intermission, and within it the ten pacing beasts.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• compact
• convenient
• handy
• lightweight