porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpȯrt-ˌhōl 

1

: an opening (such as a window) with a cover or closure especially in the side of a ship or aircraft

2

: a port through which to shoot

3

: port entry 2 sense 2

Examples of porthole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The cab’s dark interior seems to lure Rauschenberg in, but perhaps he was also drawn to the small round window, like a porthole, above the seat, which looks out at the distance behind the carriage. —Hilton Als, New Yorker, 4 Apr. 2026

The portholes on the bedroom doors, which can be opened and closed using a sliding shutter system, allow both light into the halls and privacy within the rooms. —Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2026

Its design is an homage to the work of architect Jean Prouve, who incorporated small glass portholes into doors and the sides of his buildings. —Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 31 Mar. 2026

Had those magnificent portholes survived? —New York Times, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

port entry 2

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for porthole

• bankroll
• bedroll
• borehole
• cajole
• catchpole
• charcoal
• condole
• control
• dipole
• downhole
• enroll
• extol

Kids Definition

porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpōrt-ˌhōl 

ˈpȯrt-

1

: an opening in the side of a ship or aircraft

2

: an opening to shoot through