porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpȯrt-ˌhōl How to pronounce porthole (audio)
1
: an opening (such as a window) with a cover or closure especially in the side of a ship or aircraft
2
: a port through which to shoot
3

Examples of porthole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The digital model appears to bear that out, with a porthole showing damage consistent with such a hit. Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 14 Apr. 2025 The scan shows there is a broken porthole that could account for those reports. ArsTechnica, 10 Apr. 2025 Photo : Open Homes Photography The porthole window is found in the smaller lounge. Tori Latham, Robb Report, 18 Apr. 2025 As the sun rises outside the porthole, Don Johnson uses his captain’s powers to wed Rumer Willis and her boyfriend, right there in the infirmary. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for porthole

Word History

Etymology

port entry 2

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of porthole was in 1569

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Cite this Entry

“Porthole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porthole. Accessed 15 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

porthole

noun
port·​hole ˈpōrt-ˌhōl How to pronounce porthole (audio)
ˈpȯrt-
1
: an opening in the side of a ship or aircraft
2
: an opening to shoot through

More from Merriam-Webster on porthole

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