English Reference
adjective · noun

mobile

adj. · n.
US /ˈmoʊbəɫ/ mo·bile UK spelling mobiles

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    adj.able to be moved easily from one place to another.

    adj.capable of being moved or transported; not fixed in one location.

    Simple

    The library has a mobile unit that visits small villages every week.

    In context

    The military established a mobile command centre that could be dismantled and relocated within hours of receiving new orders.

    portablemovabletransportable
  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    adj.able to walk or move your body freely.

    adj.having the physical ability to move or walk, often used in medical or social contexts.

    Simple

    After the surgery, it took several weeks before he was mobile again.

    In context

    Physiotherapy is essential for ensuring that elderly patients remain mobile and independent for as long as possible.

    activeambulatory
    bedriddenparalysed
  3. 03 A2 Elementary Computing

    adj.connected to mobile phones or the internet on your phone.

    adj.pertaining to or transmitted by cellular technology and handheld devices.

    Simple

    I prefer using the mobile app because it is faster than the website.

    In context

    The developer prioritised the mobile version of the interface, recognising that most users would access the platform via smartphones.

  4. 04 A2 Elementary British English

    n.a mobile phone.

    n.a handheld cellular telephone. Often used as a clipped form in non-American dialects.

    Simple

    I left my mobile at home, so I couldn't call you.

    In context

    She checked her mobile for messages as soon as the plane touched down on the runway.

    Usage

    In British English, 'mobile' is the standard word for a phone, whereas American English prefers 'cell phone'.

    cellphonesmartphone
  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a decoration made of shapes hanging on wires that move in the air.

    n.a type of kinetic sculpture with delicately balanced parts that move in response to air currents.

    Simple

    The baby watched the colourful mobile hanging above the crib.

    In context

    The museum's atrium featured a massive steel mobile that rotated slowly whenever the main doors were opened.

Usage mobile phones · mobile phone · mobile app


From the name of (Mobile Bay, from the name of) the Mobile tribe, perhaps from the name of a Native town somewhere in what is now central Alabama, various spelled Mabila or Maubila.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated