Is 'moveable' an acceptable spelling?

Historically yes, but in modern English 'movable' is the standard and preferred spelling. 'Moveable' is now considered archaic or a less common variant.

Can 'movable' be used to describe people?

No, it sounds unnatural. Use 'mobile' (e.g., 'a mobile workforce') or 'able to move' for people.

What is the opposite of 'movable property'?

'Immovable property' or 'real property/real estate' (e.g., land and buildings).

What is the key difference between 'movable' and 'portable'?

'Portable' strongly implies easy carrying by a person (e.g., a laptop). 'Movable' is broader; a heavy sofa is movable (with effort) but not portable.

Is “movable” formal?

Movable is usually formal in register.

How do you pronounce “movable”?

Movable: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmuːvəb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmuːvəb(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

movable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈmuːvəb(ə)l/US/ˈmuːvəb(ə)l/

Formal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “movable” mean?

Capable of being moved, not fixed in place.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Capable of being moved, not fixed in place.

Pertaining to property (excluding real estate) that can be moved; also used for dates or events that are not fixed in the calendar (e.g., a movable feast).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In legal/property contexts, UK often uses 'movable property'; US law more commonly uses 'personal property' or 'chattels'. For the adjective, both use 'movable'. The UK spelling variant 'moveable' is considered archaic but still occasionally seen.

Connotations

In both, the adjective is neutral. In UK English, the archaic 'moveable' might carry a literary or historical connotation.

Frequency

The adjective is moderately low frequency in both. The noun form ('movables') is rare and mostly found in formal/legal texts in both varieties.

Grammar

How to Use “movable” in a Sentence

[be] movable[be] easily/highly/freely movablelist of movables

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

movable propertymovable feastmovable partsmovable assets

medium

movable furnituremovable typemovable objecteasily movable

weak

movable datemovable barriermovable wall

Examples

Examples of “movable” in a Sentence

verb

British English

The clause does not allow the tenant to move the fixtures; they are not movable.

American English

The contract specifies which assets are movable by the lessee.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Refers to assets not attached to land (e.g., equipment, vehicles).

Academic

Used in history (movable type), law, and economics for categorising property.

Everyday

Describes furniture or objects that can be shifted.

Technical

In mechanics, describes parts not rigidly fixed; in law, a category of personal property.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “movable”

Strong

detachableunfixedloose

Neutral

portabletransportablemobile

Weak

adjustableversatileflexible

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “movable”

immovablefixedpermanent stationary

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “movable”

Incorrect spelling: 'moveable' (archaic).
Using 'movable' to describe people ('a movable crowd') is unnatural; use 'mobile'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Historically yes, but in modern English 'movable' is the standard and preferred spelling. 'Moveable' is now considered archaic or a less common variant.
: No, it sounds unnatural. Use 'mobile' (e.g., 'a mobile workforce') or 'able to move' for people.
: 'Immovable property' or 'real property/real estate' (e.g., land and buildings).
: 'Portable' strongly implies easy carrying by a person (e.g., a laptop). 'Movable' is broader; a heavy sofa is movable (with effort) but not portable.
: Capable of being moved, not fixed in place.
: Movable is usually formal in register.
: Movable: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmuːvəb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmuːvəb(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“movable feast”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of MOVE + ABLE. If you are 'able' to 'move' it, it's movable.

Conceptual Metaphor

POSSESSIONS ARE (MOVABLE) OBJECTS. (Contrast with 'real estate' as immovable/foundational).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

In accounting, assets include vehicles and machinery, as opposed to land and buildings.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is a classic example of a 'movable feast'?