portrait

1 of 2

noun

por·​trait ˈpȯr-trət 

-ˌtrāt

1

: picture

especially : a pictorial representation of a person usually showing the face

2

: a sculptured figure : bust

3

: a graphic portrayal in words

portrait

2 of 2

adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rectangular document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

switching from landscape to portrait mode

compare landscape sense 3

Synonyms

Noun

• description
• depiction
• portrayal
• picture
• sketch

Examples of portrait in a Sentence

Noun

The queen posed for her portrait.

The book presents a portrait of life in a small town.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Likewise, reflect on a series of twelve portraits in which three young white men, Matsura, and his friend Cecil Jim (niece of the imposing Chiliwhist Jim) assume different pairings and playfully switch hats. —Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

Put a different way, Charlie Sheen has often lost the thread of what a talented actor Charlie Sheen once was and aka Charlie Sheen loses track of that reality as well, to the documentary’s detriment as a rounded portrait. —Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 10 Sep. 2025

Adjective

For her nuptials, Jackie wore an ivory silk taffeta gown with a portrait neckline and bouffant skirt, which was designed by Ann Lowe. —Ariana Quihuiz, PEOPLE, 12 Sep. 2025

But one new feature will be a second front-facing camera — placed on the portrait side — meaning that video conferencing and selfies will appear equally well regardless of the device’s orientation. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

borrowed from Middle French pourtraict, portraict "image, representation," going back to Old French portret, noun derivative from past participle of pourtraire "to represent, depict" — more at portray

Adjective

from attributive use of portrait entry 1; so called because such a format is customarily used for portraits

First Known Use

Noun

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1975, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing portrait

• self-portrait

Kids Definition

portrait

1 of 2 noun

por·​trait

ˈpōr-trət,

ˈpȯr-,

-ˌtrāt

1

: a picture of a person usually showing the face

2

: a portrayal in words

portrait

2 of 2 adjective

: of, relating to, or being a rectangular document having the vertical dimension longer than the horizontal dimension

printed in portrait mode

compare landscape