porthole

noun

port·​hole ˈpȯrt-ˌhōl How to pronounce porthole (audio)
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

Examples of porthole in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Through the porthole, Junior watches the apple trees drop away into seamless white horse pasture, the top rung of the fence riding above the snow alongside the road, bobbing and snaking with an unevenness accentuated by the flatness of the snow, his father talking still. Literary Hub, 10 June 2025 Sometimes just having someone listen, without giving any advice at all, can open up a porthole to let a little of the steam out. Kristen Arnett june 26, Literary Hub, 26 June 2025 There are two circular porthole windows that were inspired by Wright’s love of circular design elements, as well as Airstream’s traditional focus on aerodynamic design. Everett Potter, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025 In contrast to the prevailing trend of large rectangular sinks popular in other RVs, including some Airstreams, this unit features a distinctively round sink that pairs naturally with the trailer's porthole windows and disc-like throw pillows in referencing Wright's love of circular elements. New Atlas, 7 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for porthole

Word History

Etymology

port entry 2

First Known Use

1569, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of porthole was in 1569

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Porthole.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/porthole. Accessed 1 Aug. 2025.

Kids Definition

porthole

noun
port·​hole ˈpōrt-ˌhōl How to pronounce porthole (audio)
ˈpȯrt-
1
: an opening in the side of a ship or aircraft
2
: an opening to shoot through

More from Merriam-Webster on porthole

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!