/ ˈməʊbaɪl; NAmE ˈmoʊbl/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
[ usually before noun ] that is not fixed in one place and can be moved easily and quickly :
mobile equipment
a mobile shop / library (= one inside a vehicle)
—compare stationary
2.
[ not usually before noun ] ( of a person ) able to move or travel around easily :
a kitchen especially designed for the elderly or people who are less mobile
You really need to be mobile (= have a car) if you live in the country.
OPP immobile
3.
( of people ) able to change your social class, your job or the place where you live easily :
a highly mobile workforce (= people who can move easily from place to place)
—see also upwardly mobile
4.
( of a face or its features ) changing shape or expression easily and often
■ noun
1.
( BrE ) = mobile phone :
Call me on my mobile.
What's your mobile number?
the mobile networks (= companies that provide mobile phone services)
2.
a decoration made from wire, etc. that is hung from the ceiling and that has small objects hanging from it which move when the air around them moves
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WORD ORIGIN
late 15th cent.: via French from Latin mobilis , from movere to move. The noun dates from the 1940s.