I. mo ‧ bile 1 /ˈməʊbaɪl $ ˈmoʊb ə l, -biːl/ BrE AmE adjective
[ Date: 1400-1500 ; Language: French ; Origin: Latin mobilis , from movere 'to move' ]
1 . not fixed in one position, and easy to move and use in different places:
mobile air-conditioners
2 . moving or able to move from one job, area, or social class to another:
a more mobile workforce
People these days are much more socially mobile.
an upwardly mobile (=moving to a higher social scale) professional
3 . able to move or travel easily OPP immobile :
She’s more mobile now that she has her own car.
4 . mobile library/shop/clinic etc British English a shop etc that is kept in a vehicle and driven from place to place:
Two mobile units provide health care in rural villages.
5 . mobile mouth/face/features written features that can change their expression quickly:
His mobile features registered amusement.
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meaning 2)
■ adverbs
▪ highly mobile (=very mobile)
We now live in a highly mobile society.
▪ upwardly mobile (=moving up to a higher social class)
The restaurant's customers are mainly upwardly mobile young professionals.
▪ socially mobile (=moving from one social class to another, especially to a higher social class)
Children today are even less likely to be socially mobile.
II. mo ‧ bile 2 S2 /ˈməʊbaɪl $ ˈmoʊbiːl/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
1 . British English a ↑ mobile phone SYN cellphone American English :
Give me a call on my mobile.
Have you got my mobile number?
2 . a decoration made of small objects tied to wires or string which is hung up so that the objects move when air blows around them