portable

1 of 2

adjective

por·​ta·​ble ˈpȯr-tə-bəl How to pronounce portable (audio)
Synonyms of portable
1
a
: capable of being carried or moved about
portable electronic devices
b
: characterized by portability
a portable pension
workers with portable skills [=skills that can be applied at other jobs]
c
: usable on many computers with little or no modification
portable software
2
archaic : bearable
portably
ˈpȯr-tə-blē How to pronounce portable (audio)
adverb

portable

2 of 2

noun

: something that is portable

Synonyms of portable

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Adjective

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Examples of portable in a Sentence

Adjective Portable devices such as MP3 players are becoming increasingly popular.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
Adaptalux's answer to that problem is the Pod Mini, a palm-sized portable lighting hub that's just gotten its first major overhaul – headlined by Bluetooth control and a tougher aluminum body. — New Atlas, 25 Aug. 2026 Even a small, portable breakfast tends to beat sending a child to class on an empty stomach. — Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Aug. 2026
Noun
These portable, lightweight bands squeeze easily into a suitcase and can be used to add resistance to body weight exercises. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 26 Aug. 2026 This is a solid midrange portable with a good component loadout, including 16GB of RAM for smooth performance on all the major educational apps. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for portable

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

Rhymes for portable

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Browse Nearby Words

portability
portable
portableness
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Portable.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portable. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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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

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