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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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
For more of the best beach day essentials, check out portable coolers, beach totes, umbrellas, games, phone pouches, and more below. — Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 June 2026 On walks, and when traveling, bring a portable water bowl and carry a water bottle (or two) and look into keeping a cooling mat handy. — Tanya Edwards, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Noun
Inside and out, this is a quality portable at an unbeatable discount. — K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 3 July 2026 This is the easiest and most delicious way to make cherry pie portable for the Fourth of July. — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 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

See All Rhymes for portable

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 7 Jul. 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

More from Merriam-Webster on portable

Nglish: Translation of portable for Spanish Speakers

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