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

Construction crews stripped the president's name from the exterior in June, but the front portico of the building has since been covered by a tarp, concealing most of its name. — Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026

Upon passing through a deep portico entryway abutting an attached two-car garage, a vaulted reception gallery sits beneath a prominent glass atrium. — Wendy Bowman, Robb Report, 12 Oct. 2026

The distinction becomes clear from the entrance, where a cantilevered teakwood portico, enveloped in climbing greenery, leads into a soaring lobby where classical Italian architecture meets a more contemporary design language. — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 9 Oct. 2026

Like many of the homes throughout Virginia, Birdwood Mansion was built according to Jeffersonian architectural and design ideals, with symmetrical details like an entrance portico, Doric columns, and impressive brickwork. — Heather Bien, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 2026

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