mobile device: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral-to-Formal, widely used in business, technical, and everyday contexts.
Quick answer
What does “mobile device” mean?
A portable, handheld electronic computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, capable of running applications and connecting to networks.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A portable, handheld electronic computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, capable of running applications and connecting to networks.
A broad term for any portable computing hardware, ranging from smartphones and tablets to e-readers, smartwatches, and handheld gaming consoles, typically featuring wireless connectivity, a touchscreen interface, and an operating system.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the term identically.
Connotations
Slight tendency in British English to use 'mobile' on its own for 'mobile phone'; 'mobile device' more clearly specifies the broader category.
Frequency
Slightly more common in professional/technical registers in both varieties. In everyday US speech, 'phone' or 'smartphone' is more frequent for that specific device.
Grammar
How to Use “mobile device” in a Sentence
to access [the internet] on a mobile deviceto connect/sync a mobile device to [a network]to manage/secure mobile devicesmobile device management (MDM)a range/variety of mobile devicesVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mobile device” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The IT department can remotely mobile-device-manage your tablet.
- (Verb use is highly atypical; typically only in compounded nouns like 'to mobile-device-manage')
American English
- We need to mobile-device-enable this web application.
- (Verb use is highly atypical; typically only in compounded nouns like 'to mobile-device-enable')
adjective
British English
- The mobile-device policy is outlined in the handbook.
- Mobile-device usage has increased.
American English
- She works in mobile-device security.
- Mobile-device technology is evolving rapidly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"All employees must enroll their mobile devices in the company's MDM system for security."
Academic
"The study examined the impact of mobile device usage on adolescent sleep patterns."
Everyday
"I need to charge my mobile device before we leave."
Technical
"The firmware update is being pushed to all mobile devices on the network."
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mobile device”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mobile device”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mobile device”
- Using 'mobile' alone to mean any mobile device (in English, 'mobile' often defaults to 'mobile phone', especially in UK English).
- Incorrect plural: 'mobiles devices' (correct: mobile devices).
- Confusing 'device' with 'devise' (a verb).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In broad technical definitions, yes, but in common usage, 'mobile device' typically refers to smaller, handheld devices like smartphones and tablets. Laptops are often categorised separately as 'portable computers'.
'Cell phone' or 'mobile phone' refers specifically to a device for calling and texting. A 'mobile device' (like a smartphone) is a broader category that includes phones but also encompasses their computing capabilities (apps, internet, media).
MDM stands for 'Mobile Device Management'. It is a type of security software used by organisations to control, secure, and enforce policies on employees' mobile devices.
Yes. In British English, it is commonly /ˈməʊ.baɪl/ for the word alone (like 'mobile phone'), but in the phrase 'mobile device', the stress often shifts: /ˌməʊˈbaɪl dɪˈvaɪs/ or the first syllable is reduced to /məʊ.baɪl/. In American English, it is almost always /ˈmoʊ.bəl/.
A portable, handheld electronic computing device, such as a smartphone or tablet, capable of running applications and connecting to networks.
Mobile device is usually neutral-to-formal, widely used in business, technical, and everyday contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[to be] glued to one's mobile device”
- “a mobile-first strategy”
- “the mobile device in your pocket”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MOBILE as in 'able to move' + DEVICE as in 'tool.' A tool you can move around with you.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MOBILE DEVICE IS A PORTAL (to information, people, entertainment). A MOBILE DEVICE IS AN EXTENSION OF THE SELF (or one's mind/hand).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically considered a core characteristic of a 'mobile device'?