Portable

ˈpɔːrtəbl̩

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonDescriptive
1 meaning2 questions

Definitions

1

Capable of being easily carried or moved, especially because of being relatively light or compact.

ˈpɔːrtəbl̩

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Descriptive

Capable of being easily carried or moved.

This portable speaker is great for outdoor gatherings.

💡 Simply: Imagine you have a small speaker you can carry everywhere, like the one you take to the park. That speaker is portable because it's easy to carry around.

👶 For kids: If something is portable, it means you can carry it around easily!

More Examples

2

The portable power bank kept my phone charged during the trip.

3

They designed a portable table for use at the campsite.

How It's Used

Technology

"A portable laptop allows for work on the go."

Travel

"A portable charger is essential for long trips."

Home Improvement

"We need a portable air conditioner for the summer."

From Latin *portabilis* ('able to be carried'), from *portare* ('to carry').

The term 'portable' has been used since the early 17th century, originally referring to items easily carried around.

Memory tip

Think of a *port* as a place where things are transported; *portable* things are easy to *port* around.

Word Origin

LanguageLatin
Original meaning

"able to be carried"

portable deviceportable chargerportable speakerportable computerportable radio

Common misspellings

portibleportabel

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written