portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō 

plural porticoes or porticos

: a colonnade or covered ambulatory especially in classical architecture and often at the entrance of a building

Illustration of portico

Examples of portico in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It’s located in the heart of the arty Brera district and is impressive with its monastic architecture, frescoed vaults, stone columns, arches and porticoes. —Luisa Zargani, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2019

Built in 1910 by renowned architect Herbert Lucas, the building is an architectural gem with a stately portico, Tuscan columns, and a high cast iron fence. —Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025

Several centuries later, workers added a portico and a stage structure, allowing it to be used for theater. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Mar. 2025

This curved portico, four stories high, spans a remarkable 120 feet without a single supporting column. —Katharina Kotrba, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from Latin porticus — more at porch

First Known Use

1607, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for portico

• afterglow
• akimbo
• albino
• aliquot
• allegro
• amigo
• apropos
• audio
• bungalow
• calico
• calypso
• cameo

Kids Definition

portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpōrt-i-ˌkō 

ˈpȯrt-

plural porticoes or porticos

: a row of columns supporting a roof at the entrance of a building