porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpȯrt-ˌhōl 

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

: port entry 2 sense 2

Examples of porthole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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

The submarine was equipped with large portholes to let passengers see underwater. —George Petras, USA Today, 27 Mar. 2025

References range from the charming portholes and heavy-duty mahogany used in 1930s vessels to the low profile of ’80s-era superyachts. —Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 8 Mar. 2025

And how well will civilians bear the stress, with high-def screens substituting for portholes to ward off claustrophobia and with g-forces reminiscent of roller coasters? —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Dec. 2015

Word History

Etymology

port entry 2

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for porthole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpōrt-ˌhōl 

ˈpȯrt-

1

: an opening in the side of a ship or aircraft

2

: an opening to shoot through