portico

noun

por·​ti·​co ˈpȯr-ti-ˌkō How to pronounce portico (audio)
plural porticoes or porticos
: 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.
Tall windows, a columned portico, and sculpted reliefs depicting university patriarchs. Daisy Hildyard, The New Yorker, 15 Dec. 2024 Of particular note: the intact Corinthian portico columns; the subterranean arched architecture, aqueduct and cistern system; and graffiti adorning merchant stalls believed to be more than 1,500 years old. Alex Crevar, New York Times, 11 July 2024 David Benford, Landmark Sotheby's International Realty, (910) 264-8999. West Park, New York Aberdeen, an 1828 Greek Revival, stands on a hill, overlooking the Hudson River from a portico with a two-story Ionic colonnade. The Week Staff, theweek, 17 Dec. 2024 From the outside, the home was timeless and traditional with a two-story portico, slender columns, black shutters, and a large brick chimney. Claudia Williams, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near portico

Cite this Entry

“Portico.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/portico. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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