portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō How to pronounce portico (audio)
plural porticoes or porticos
Synonyms of porticonext
: a colonnade or covered ambulatory especially in classical architecture and often at the entrance of a building

Illustration of portico

Illustration of portico

Examples of portico in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Define a small front entrance on a large home without a front porch or portico by installing an awning over the front door. — Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 2 May 2026 Perhaps the best perch is dead center in the main hotel’s portico, which can be accessed by one of the guest suites. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 June 2026 The safe stayed in the hall briefly, moving outside near the Capitol’s east portico for the next 80 years. — Sydney Topf, The Washington Examiner, 24 June 2026 The procession continued under the portico of the neoclassical building and through the bronze doors. — Literary Hub, 13 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for portico

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin porticus — more at porch

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of portico was in 1607

Rhymes for portico

See All Rhymes for portico

Browse Nearby Words

portia tree
portico
porticoed
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Cite this Entry

“Portico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portico. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

portico

noun
por·​ti·​co ˈpōrt-i-ˌkō How to pronounce portico (audio)
ˈpȯrt-
plural porticoes or porticos
: a row of columns supporting a roof at the entrance of a building

More from Merriam-Webster on portico

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for portico

Nglish: Translation of portico for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about portico

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