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

Retrofire back decades ago when the first Mercury space capsule offered a tiny porthole for its single seat occupant, Alan Shepard. — Leonard David, Space.com, 22 Sep. 2026

Think vintage navy portholes, ship compasses, and aircraft fuselage. — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 9 Sep. 2026

Wine connoisseurs at a blind tasting in which stemware is passed through portholes look like peep show patrons. — David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 4 Sep. 2026

For the budget-conscious, there are Ocean View suites with big picture windows and 10 suites with portholes. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 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