Portuguese

noun

Por·​tu·​guese ˈpȯr-chə-ˌgēz 

-ˌgēs;

ˌpȯr-chə-ˈgēz,

-ˈgēs 

plural Portuguese

1

a

: a native or inhabitant of Portugal

b

: one who is of Portuguese descent

2

: the Romance language of Portugal and Brazil

Portuguese adjective

Examples of Portuguese in a Sentence

She is teaching her son Portuguese.

the customs of the Portuguese

Recent Examples on the Web

The government is extending the naturalization period from 5 to 10 years for non-CPLP (Community of Portuguese Language Countries) nationals, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring genuine integration before citizenship is granted. —Jeremy Savory, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025

This form of Brazilian barbecue is called churrasco, which translates to barbecue in Portuguese, where meat is slowly cooked with little to no seasonings. —Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Aug. 2025

In May, SpaceX sent emails, including in Portuguese, to Starlink resellers and installers, hinting at the Community program. —PC Magazine, 4 Aug. 2025

Halifax will look to Portuguese forward Tiago Coimbra, who has seven league goals this season, to lead the attacking charge. —Kilty Cleary, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese português, adjective & noun, from Portugal

First Known Use

1534, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing Portuguese

• Portuguese man-of-war
• Portuguese water dog
• the Portuguese

Rhymes for Portuguese

• abcs
• absentees
• addressees
• adoptees
• allottees
• amputees
• antifreeze
• appellees
• appointees
• arrestees
• artistes
• assamese

Kids Definition

Portuguese

noun

Por·​tu·​guese ˈpōr-chə-ˌgēz  ˈpȯr- 

-ˌgēs;

ˌpōr-chə-ˈgēz,

ˌpȯr-,

-ˈgēs

plural Portuguese

1

: a person born or living in Portugal

2

: the language of Portugal and Brazil

Portuguese adjective