Definition of porter
chiefly British
: a person stationed at a door or gate to admit or assist those entering
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Origin and Etymology of porter
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin portarius, from Latin porta gate — more at port
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 13th century
in the meaning defined above
See Words from the same yearDefinition of porter
1
: a person who carries burdens;
especially
: one employed to carry baggage for patrons at a hotel or transportation terminal
2
: a parlor-car or sleeping-car attendant who waits on passengers and makes up berths
3
[short for porter's beer]
: a heavy dark brown beer brewed from browned or charred malt
4
: a person who does routine cleaning (as in a hospital or office)
Origin and Etymology of porter
Middle English portour, from Anglo-French porteour, from Late Latin portator, from Latin portare to carry — more at fare
NEW! Time Traveler
First Known Use: 14th century
in the meaning defined at sense 1
See Words from the same yearDefinition of porter
: to act as a porter
First Known Use of porter
1609
Porter
biographical name
Definition of Porter
David 1780–1843 and his son David Dixon 1813–1891 American naval officers
Porter
biographical name
Definition of Porter
Gene 1868–1924 née Stratton American novelist
Porter
biographical name
Definition of Porter
Katherine Anne 1890–1980 American writer
Porter
biographical name
Definition of Porter
Noah 1811–1892 American philosopher and lexicographer
Porter
biographical name
Definition of Porter
William Sydney 1862–1910 pseudonym O. Henry
play \(ˈ)ō-ˈhen-rē\
American short-story writer
PORTER Defined for Kids
Definition of porter for Students
1
: a person whose job is to carry baggage (as at a hotel)
2
: a person whose job is helping passengers on a train
Learn More about porter
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See words that rhyme with porter Spanish Central: Translation of porter Nglish: Translation of porter for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of porter for Arabic speakers
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